It is probable that a body, with bullet wound, in the head, found in the Thames off Carton Wharf, City, last month, is that of Major Norman Percival' Bailey, for whom the police have been' searching fever since December 7 last, when his wife was discovered murdered in their flat at Have.
Scotland Yard issued the following statement:
At 7.20 this morning the body of man with a bullet wound in the head and in an advanced state of decomposition was found floating in the river off Carton Wharf, City.
The following articles were found on the body, from which it would appear to be that of Major Bailey, wanted for murder at Have, Sussex: Motor 8 Hicence and membership card of the A.A. in the name of Norman Percival" Bailey, 25, Adelaideexescent, Have;' a yellow metal ease, "N, P, B." thereon; three photographs—an Army officer, an elderly Indy, and a young lady.
'The body' is now at the City of London Mortuary, Golden-lane, awaiting inquest. the clothing the police also found masonic charm, a white metal matchbox, containing a gold tooth, and a George III. shilling. There was no other money in the clothing.
The bod found close to Tower Bridge, was taken ashore at Swan Pier. A doctor who was called came to the conclusion that it had een in the water several months.
The Crime and the Search.
Discovery of the tragedy in Have flat in December was made by. the caretaker. Mrs. Bailey's body was on the bed, and by it was a note saying: "T have parted with dearest possession, and hated to do it, Please forgive me. She Know nothing. I did not do it for, jealousy or cowardice, but just love. Look for me by the sea."
Two wounds had been inflicted on Mrs, Bailey, one by a knife and the other by a bullet, 'According to evidence given at the inquest, Major *Bailey, traveller in motor accessories," had been happily married for' two years, the Major and his wife having been exceptionally devoted to one another. During the war the Major served in the Machine Gun Corps.
The police carried out an active search for Major Bailey. Reports from various localities were received from time to time of the detention of a person believed to be the Major. At one time it was thought he had been discovered in the Channel Islands, and in the latter part of December a man suspected of being Bailey was detained at
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.