Clermont State Historic Site

Alright true crime fans, deep from the annals of the extended Livingston family, we have one for you to puzzle over.

            Reginald (Rex) Leopold Moore McVitty, born in August of 1899 in Bantry, married Honoria Livingston of Clermont. His parent were Rev. William Presley McVitty, a methodist minister who seems to have spent quite a bit of time moving around Northern Ireland, and his wife, Margaretta Charlotte Augusta McVitty.

            In addition to Rex the couple had one other child, Trevor Maynard Watt McVitty born in Armagh, in July 1907.

            Whereas Rex grew up and moved to America, Trevor grew up and joined the English Army. He was a gunner assigned to the 87 Battery, 24 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery.

            On May 18, 1940, in the middle of the night Trevor fell out a window, fractured his skull, and died. It was claimed that he sleepwalked to his death. At the inquest that followed, a witness came forward to claim they had recently seen Trevor standing by his bed in the middle of the night, thinking that reveille had sounded.

            With this scant evidence in hand Trevor’s death was ruled an accident and he was buried with honors at Netley Military Cemetery in Hampshire.

            But was that the real story? Did Trevor die in a horrific accident? Could he have been pushed or thrown? Could he have had a disagreement with another soldier? Perhaps over a girl or maybe Trevor’s heritage? Being Irish and Methodist may not have made him the most popular soldier in his regiment.

            We will probably never know. Surely, almost anyone who knew Trevor has passed away. The investigation seems to have been cursory at best. It is likely that no one will ever know what truly happened to Trevor McVitty.