Shot at dawn - British WW1 Military Executions.

[IPT]

6 hours ago, ss002d6252 said:

Earle Bourne and Co Limited

 

 

Thank you, your honour.  They were tube makers.

[Terry_Reeves]

More info here:

 

http://tinyurl.com/ybs225hq

 

TR

[RaySearching]

Lilly May was born 20th Sept 1878 the daughter of

George Darby and Sarah Ann  Darby  (nee Vaughan)

(the couple married in 1877)

 

 

1881

 Lilly May  Darby   can be found at 122 Tennant Street Birmingham  

 

Ann Vaughan                       56

Frederick Vaughan               30

George Darby                       27

Sarah Ann Darby                 23

Lilly May Darby                   2

 

1881 (Dec qtr)

George Darby died  

 

1885

 Sarah Ann Darby married Alfred Bache

 

1891

Alfred Bache         37             head

Sarah A Bache     30            wife

Charles Bache       16            son

Herbert Bache       14            son

Lilly May Darby   12            stepdaughter

Lily Bache             11            daughter

Alfred Bache         8              son

Frederick Bache    6              son

Elsie Laura Bache 1              daughter

 

1898   

Lilly May Darby married William Daniels

 

1901

 8 Carlisle Place Birmingham

William Daniels                    24

Lillie May Daniels                23

Florence May Daniels         1

 

1911

39 Norman Street Birmingham

William Daniels                    34

Lillie May Daniels                32

Florence May Daniels         11

Lilly Daniels                          9

Minnie Doris Daniels          6

Alice Beatrice Daniels         2

Frederick Bache                    26 (brother  in law)

Ernest Bache                         17 ((brother in law)

 

It is quite clear from the above that Lilly May Daniels did not have a stepbrother called Frederick Broadnick

 

It appears that sometime after 1911 Frederick Bache  (Lilly May’s stepbrother)  changed his name to Frederick Broadnick  (for reasons unknown), one can only speculate, it may have been the name he give to the police when he was arrested (as IPTs post  401) continuing  to use that name on his release from prison

 

 

I therefore conclude that Frederick Bache and Frederick Broadnick are one and the same person

 

 

Ray

 

Edit

 

The brother of Frederick Bache,  Ernest Bache also served with the Warwickshire Regiment Pte 201098  enlisted Jan 1915 (he survived the war)

and like "Frederick Broadnick"  give his next of kin as Lily May Darby of 39 Norman Street Birmingham !

 

 

 

Edited 4 October , 2018 by RaySearching
additional info

[jonny956]

Thanks for the comments and the information chaps. I am inclined towards the notion that the two Fredericks are the same person, but I don't have enough evidence to convince a judge. I might try reaching out in more imaginative ways (local paper / local history society, etc).

 

Would anyone happen to know the correct file ref at Kew for the CM records for this man please? A very nice man has volunteered to assist in copying them for me (if they still exist)?

 

Rgds and thanks again

 

Jonny

[RaySearching]

 

[kloughnane]

Jonny,

 

According to 'Blindfold and Alone' the file is held under WO 71/576.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Regards,

 

Kev Loughnane

[johnboy]

This looks like him in 1891 Census

 

First name(s)	Last name	Relationship	Marital status	Sex	Age	Birth year	Occupation	Birth place
Alfred	Bache	Head	Married	Male	37	1854	Pencil Case Maker	Birmingham, Warwickshire, England
Sarah A	Bache	Wife	Married	Female	30	1861	-	-
Charles J	Bache	Son	Single	Male	16	1875	Tube Polisher	-
Herbert	Bache	Son	-	Male	14	1877	Pencil Case Maker	-
Lily May	Deaby	Stepdaughter	-	Female	12	1879	-	-
Lily	Bache	Daughter	-	Female	11	1880	-	-
Alfred	Bache	Son	-	Male	8	1883	-	Birmingham, Warwickshire, England
Frederick	Bache	Son	-	Male	6	1885	-	-
Elsie Laura	Bache	Daughter	-	Female	1	1890	-	-

[RaySearching]

33 minutes ago, johnboy said:

This looks like him in 1891 Census

As post number 405

 

But where is he in the 1901 census

 

Ray

 

Edit

Sarah Ann Bache,  Fredericks mother can be found on the 1901 census as a live in  domestic servant aged 40 at 36 Montpellier Street Birmingham 

none of her children are residing with her

 she died in 1907

 

Edited 4 October , 2018 by RaySearching

[jonny956]

Thanks for the file ref Kev! That will make things easier.

 

Kind rgds

 

Jonny

[jonny956]

In 1901 Lily May and William Daniels were living with their young daughter at 8 Carlisle Place, Carlisle Street, Winson Green. I have yet to trace where the Bache family were at the time.

[johnboy]

I think you have your work cut out. I notice his motherseems to have married at 14yrs?had a son at 16yrs,Lilly may seems to have been when she was 18yrs. Who was Lilly May father?  It seems that freds parents split up and she got a live in job, Needed a roof over her hed, I think there is a family history to unravel as well as Fred,

[jonny956]

johnboy,

 

Most of the family tree is already mapped out. Frederick Bache / Broadrick is the one mystery that I need to nail, but I agree that I face an uphill struggle. As an aside Frederick Bache's father was Alfred Bache and his mother was Julia Lucy Preston. Julia married at 19 and had her first son at 21 years of age. She died at 30 years. Lily May's father was George Henry Darby and he died when Lily was 3.

 

Jonny

[johnboy]

So who was the Sarah a shown on 1891 census who I assumed was freds mother?

[jonny956]

Sarah Ann Bache (nee Darby) was Lily May's mother, and Alfred Bache's second wife. His first wife (and Frederick Bache's mother) was Julia Lucy Bache (nee Preston) who died in 1885. Frederick Bache was born in 1885, so there is a chance that Julia died in child birth. The Census lists the relationship of the individual to the Head of family (i.e. Alfred).

 

Rgds

 

Jonny

[johnboy]

Thanks

[RaySearching]

Having trawled the census returns and other databases

 

There is no trace of Frederick Broadrick prior to 1911 and no trace of Frederick Bache after 1911

I am reasonable confident that Frederick Bache changed his name to Frederick Broadrick shortly after the 1911 census was taken

It was not unusual for people to change their name for whatever reason at the turn of the century

I think the evidence indicates that is the case here

(I think that the service records of Frederick Broadrick listing Lilly May Darby as his stepsister as next of kin is the clincher

 

 

Then there is the question of the family missing off the 1901 census

 

Frederick’s mother of course can be found on the 1901 census as a live in domestic servant aged 40 at 36 Montpellier Street Birmingham, but where are the remainder of the family ?

Its possible that the family fell on hard times and the remainder of the family may have been institutionalised

The children may have been placed in care (an avenue to investigate perhaps)

 

Frederick Bache and his brother Alfred later shown to be living in 1911 with their stepsister Lily May

 

As an aside I did come across that Sarah Ann and Alfred Bache, Fredericks parents had another daughter  Violet Annie born July 6th 1888  she is not shown on the census’s as she died  within six months of having been born,  Violet Annie would have been the full sister of Frederick Bache

 

I rest my case

 

Ray

 

Edited 7 October , 2018 by RaySearching
name correction

[jonny956]

Ray,

 

Thanks once again. I think that you are correct in that the family must have fallen on hard times by 1901. Apart from Lily May, the only other family member that I have managed to trace on the 1901 Census is Herbert Bache, who was living separately with his grandmother. Frederick Bache's whereabouts in 1901 remain a mystery. I am hoping that the Courts Martial records for Frederick Broadrick may add some detail, but this remains a difficult hill to climb. 

 

I rather feel that it will only ever remain a strong possibility that Frederick Broadrick was in fact Frederick Bache. I am considering writing to the Birmingham Mail to see whether they would be prepared to run an article / pose the question to a wider public audience.

 

Rgds

 

Jonny

[RegHannay]

On 29/01/2012 at 05:54, Lancashire Fusilier said:

For some reason, I have always thought that " Shot at Dawn " British Military Executions carried our during WW1 were rare, perhaps 10 or 20. However, when researching another matter, I came upon a website which lists various British Military Cemeteries in Belgium, France and Turkey, and within those lists, they break down various catagories, including those " Shot at Dawn ". I was expecting to see just a few, but was extremely surprised to see that each Military Cemetery I looked at had them, and some had many. As I extracted the data, the list grew to hunderds, and hundreds. Also, the offences were many, from the obvious like, Murder, Desertion and Cowardice, there were also others, Striking a superior officer, Casting off arms, Disobedience, and Quitting his post.

As this is a Forum dedicated, amongst other things, to the History of the Great War, I wanted to publish the lists as historical data, both for the historical record and for the members, many of whom I am sure, like myself, will be seeing this data in detail for the first time.

This is not intended to be a condemnation list, far from it, some may see it as highlighting a terrible aspect of WW1. Obviously, those found guilty of Murder, having had a fair trial, were teated the same way as anyone in then civilian life, some may even say that the bullet is better than the noose. Then there were were those, many being young men, who having been subjected to days, and days of constant shelling, little or no sleep, scared to death, just could not take it any more, and just ran off, trying to put as much distance between themselves and the horrors of the trenches, hoping to find a quiet spot for just a while. And who is to say, the Senior Officer did not provoke the Private into giving him a whack! and even if he did, was death by firing squad the right penalty ?

I see this list as some sort of reminder to the Horrors of War, and the stark facts which confronted the British Soldier, not just from the enemy.

This is also current public record.

I shall post the list by the country where the British Military Cemetery is located :-

Belgium :

Shot at Dawn: Privates A.D. Thompson, J. Robinson and B. Hartells all of the Worcestershire Regiment were shot for desertion on 26 July 1915, they are buried together in Plot 2 Row A 6, 7, 8.

Shot at Dawn: Private Frederick Turner of the 1/6th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers, executed for desertion 23/10/17, he is buried in Enclosure No.4, plot 4, row A. 18.

SHOT AT DAWN

Private T. Hawkins, 7th Royal West Surrey Regiment (Queen’s), who was executed for desertion on 22/11/1917, Plot 2. B. 12.

Private A. H. Westwood, East Surrey Regiment, he was executed for desertion on 23/11/1917, Plot 2. B. 13.

Rifleman F. N. Slade, 2/6th Bn. London Regiment, executed on 14/12/1917 for disobedience and buried in Plot 2. B. 33.

Private W. Wycherley 2nd Manchester Regiment executed 12/9/17 and buried in Plot 3 Row G. 6

Shot at Dawn:

Private W. Wycherley 2nd Manchester Regiment executed 12/9/17 and buried in Plot 3 Row G. 6. - Desertion.

Rifleman F. W. Cheeseman 18th Kings Royal Rifle Corps, executed 20/10/17, he is buried in Plot 4 Row G. 23. - Desertion.

Sapper A. P. Oyns 50th Search Light Company Royal Engineers, executed 20/10/1917, Plot 4 Row G. 24. - Murder.

Shot at Dawn: Lance Corporal J. S.V. Fox, 1st Bn. Wiltshire Regiment, attached 3rd Division Cyclists’ Company, executed for desertion 20/04/1915, Plot D. 15.

Shot at Dawn: Private F. Broadrick, 11th Bn. Warwickshire Regiment, executed for desertion on 01/081917, Plot 2. J. 24.

Shot at Dawn: Private J. Seymour, 2nd Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, executed for desertion on 24/01/1918, Plot 3. F. 10.

Shot at Dawn: Private G. Watkins, 13th Bn. Welsh Regiment, executed for desertion 15/05/1917, Plot 3. C. 12.

Private R. Hope, 1st Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, executed for desertion 05/07/1917, Plot 3. G. 12.

Shot at Dawn: Private W. Dossett 1/4th Bn. Yorks and Lancs Regiment, executed for desertion 25/06/1918, Plot I. E. 7.

Shot at Dawn: Rifleman S. McBride, 2nd Bn. Royal Irish Rifles, executed for desertion on 07/12/1916, Row A. 17.

Shot at Dawn: Private S. Stewart, 2nd Bn. Royal Scots Fusiliers, executed for desertion 29/08/1917, Row G. 66. Private J. Smith, 17th Bn. King’s Liverpool Regiment, executed for desertion 05/09/1917, Row M. 25.

Shot at Dawn: Private L. Mitchell, 8th Bn. Yorks and Lancs Regiment, executed for desertion 19/09/1917, plot 3. A. 2.

Shot at Dawn: Private William Baker, 26th Bn. Royal Fusiliers, executed for desertion 14/08/1918, plot 25. B. 22.

Shot at Dawn: Private J. Byers and Private A. Evans both of the 1st Bn. Royal Scots Fusiliers executed for desertion 06/02/1915, Plot 1. A. 1/2 respectively.

Private G E. Collins of the 1st Bn Lincolnshire Regiment, executed for desertion 15/02/1915, plot 1. B. 1.

Shot at Dawn: Private D J. Blakemore, 8th Bn. North Staffordshire Regiment executed for desertion 09/07/1917, plot 1. A. 22. View this soldiers headstone

Private W. Jones, 9th Bn. Royal Welsh Fusiliers, executed for desertion 25/10/1917, plot 1. C. 4.

Shot at Dawn: Private A. Parry, 2nd Bn. West Yorkshire Regiment, executed for desertion 30/08/1917, row K. 4.

Shot at Dawn: Private J. J. Hyde, King's Royal Rifle Corps, executed for desertion, 05/09/1917, plot 5. A. 29.

Private C. Britton, 1/5th Bn. Royal Warwickshire Regiment executed for desertion, 12/09/1917, plot 7. F. 36.

Private D. Gibson of 12th Bn. Royal Scots, executed for desertion, 24/9/1918, plot 10. E. 19.

Shot at Dawn: Private J. McFarlane 4th Bn. King's Liverpool Regiment, executed for desertion 22/05/1918, plot 11. A. 2.

Private J. Nisbet 1st Bn. Leicestershire Regiment, executed for desertion 23/08/1918, plot 15. C. 21.

Shot at Dawn:

Private G. E Roe, 2nd Bn. King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, executed for desertion, 10/06/1915, Plot 6. K. 20

Private T. Harris, 1st Bn. Royal West Kent Regiment, executed for desertion, 21/06/1915 Plot 5. K. 14.

Private T. Docherty, 2nd Bn. King's Own Scottish borderers, executed for desertion,16/07/1915, Plot 6, E. 1.

Corporal F. Ives, 3rd Bn. Worcestershire Regiment, executed for desertion, 26/07/1915, Plot 1. G. 41.

Private E. Fellows, 3rd Bn. Worcestershire Regiment, executed for desertion, 26/07/1915 Plot 5. K. 13.

Private L. R. Phillips, 6th Bn. Somerset Light Infantry, executed for desertion, 19/08/1915, Plot 6. K. 1.

Private E. Fraser, 2nd Bn. Royal Scots, executed for desertion 02/08/1915, commemorated on Special Memorial C/8.

Shot at Dawn: There are 17 burials in this cemetery, all of whom were executed for either desertion (D) or cowardice ©:

Private J. H. Wilson, 4th Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force, 09/07/1916, Plot 2. H. 2. (D)

Private C. La Liberte, 3rd Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force, 04/08/1916, Plot 2. H. 3. (D)

Private J. Bennett, 1st Bn. Hampshire Regiment, 28/08/1916, Plot 2. J. 7. ©

Private A. Botfield, 9th Bn. South Staffordshire Regiment, 18/10/1916, Plot 2. F. 7. ©

Private R. Stevenson, 1/4th Bn. Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, 25/10/1916, Plot 2. H. 9. (D)

Private B. McGeehan, 1/8th Bn. King’s Liverpool Regiment, 02/11/1916, Plot 2. D. 9. (D)

Private R. T. Tite, 13th Bn. Royal Sussex Regiment, 25/11/1916, Plot 2. F. 9. ©

Private W. H. Simmonds, 23rd Bn. Middlesex Regiment, 01/12/1916, Plot 2. E. 9 (D)

Second Lieutenant E. S. Poole, 11th Bn. West Yorkshire Regiment, 10/12/1916, Plot 2. A. 11. (D)

Private J. Crampton, 9th Bn. Yorks & Lancs Regiment, 04/02/1917, Plot 2. B. 14 (D)

Private J. W. Fryer, 12th Bn. Queen’s (Royal West Surrey) Regiment, 14/06/1917, Plot 2. D. 14. (D)

Private J. S. Michael, 10th Bn. Cameronians, 24/08/1917, Plot 2. H. 24. (D)

Private J. Steadman, Machine Gun Corps, 05/09/1917, Plot 2. F. 41. (D)

Sergeant J. T. Wall, 3rd Bn. Worcestershire Regiment, 06/09/1917, Plot 2. F. 42. (D)

Private G. Everill, 1st Bn. North Staffordshire Regiment, 14/09/1917, Plot 2. F. 44. (D)

Private H. Morris, 6th Bn. British West Indies Regiment, 20/09/1917, Plot 2. F. 45. (D)

Private F. C. Gore, 7th Bn. The Buffs ( East Kent Regiment), 16/10/1917, Plot 2. J. 34. (D)

Shot at Dawn: Coolie C. C. Wang, Chinese Labour Corps, executed for murder, 08/05/1919, Plot 2. O. 54.

Rifleman R. L Barker, 6th Bn. Royal Fusiliers, executed for cowardice 04/11/1916, Plot 2. E. 15.

Private F. Loader, 1/22nd Bn. Royal Fusiliers, executed for desertion 19/08/1917, Plot 3. B. 14.

Private W. Smith, 3/5th Bn. Lancashire Fusiliers, executed for desertion 14/11/1917, Plot 4. B. 28.

Private V. M. Spencer, 1st Bn. (Otago) New Zealand Regiment, executed for desertion 24/02/1918, Plot 15.

B. 10.

Private H. Hughes, 1st/5th Bn. Yorks and Lancs Regiment, executed for desertion 10/04/1918, Plot 15. D. 15.

Shot at Dawn: Driver A. Lamb 21st Battery, 2nd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, executed for desertion, 02/10/1915,

plot 2. E. 12.

Private A. Rickman, 1st Bn. Royal Dublin Fusiliers, executed for desertion 15/09/1916, plot IV. D. 7.

Shot at Dawn: Private E. Delargey, 1/8th Bn. Royal Scots, executed for desertion on 06/09/1917, plot 9. H.19.

Shot at Dawn: Rifleman T. Donovan, 16th Bn. King's Royal Rifle Corps, executed for desertion 13/10/1917 Plot 2. D. 14.

Shot at Dawn: Private H. H. Chase, 2nd Bn. Lancashire Fusiliers, executed for cowardice 12/06/1915, Plot 3. P. 1.

Private W. J. Turpie, 2nd Bn. Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment), executed for desertion on 01/07/1915, Plot 2. C. 24.

Private R. W. Gawler and Private A. E. Eveleigh, both of the 1st Bn. The Buffs (East Kent Regiment), executed for desertion 24/02/1916, Plot 3. L. 9/10 respectively.

Private T. L. Moles, 54th Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force, executed for desertion 22/10/1917, plot 1. H. 76.

Private E. Lawrence, 2nd Bn. Devonshire Regiment, executed for desertion 22/11/1917, plot 1. I. 45.

Private C. F. McColl, 1/4th Bn. East Yorkshire Regiment, executed for desertion 28/12/1917, plot 4. A. 6.

France :

Shot at Dawn: Private W. B. Nelson of the 14th Durham Light Infantry, executed for desertion on 11/08/1916 is buried in plot 1. B. 18.

Shot at Dawn: Rifleman, W Yeoman of 1st/12th Bn. Royal Fusiliers (Rangers), executed for desertion on 03/07/1917 and buried in row B.16, also executed for desertion on 16/06/1917 and buried in row C.11 is Private, J Meyers of the 1st/13th Bn. Royal Fusiliers.

Shot at Dawn: Private, A Mitchell of 1/6 Bn. Lancashire Fusiliers is buried in plot 4. R. 3. He was executed for desertion on 20/08/1917.

Shot at Dawn: Private's, G Comte and J La Lancette of the 22nd Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force both executed for desertion on 03/07/1917 and buried in plot 1. F. 20 and 21 respectively.

Shot at Dawn: Private, H. Palmer, 1/5 Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers, executed for desertion on 27/10/1916 and buried in plot I. P. 65, also, in plot 1. R. 43, Pioneer, E. Beeby, 212th Company, Royal Engineers, executed on 09/12/1916.

Shot at Dawn: Private, A L Jefferies of the 6th Bn. King's Own Shropshire Light Infantry, executed for desertion on 01/11/1916 and buried in plot 3. O. 1.

Shot at Dawn: Private J Rogers, 2nd Bn. South Lancashire Regiment, executed for desertion on 09/03/1917, plot 3. A. 3.

Shot at Dawn: Private W Clarke, 2nd Bn. Durham Light Infantry, executed for desertion on 09/02/1918, plot 1. D. 18.

Shot at Dawn: Company Quartermaster Sergeant W. Alexander, 10th Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force, executed for desertion on 18/10/1917, plot 2. D. 43.

Shot at Dawn: Private C. Depper, 1/4th Bn. Royal Berkshire Regiment, executed for desertion 13/09/1916, row G. 1.

Shot at Dawn: Private L. De Lisle, 22nd Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force, executed for desertion 21/05/1918, plot 2. J. 6.

Shot at Dawn: there are four soldiers buried here that were executed for desertion; Plot 1. J. 12. Private, A. T. Ansted of the 4th Bn. Royal Fusiliers, executed on 15/11/1916. Private J. Taylor of the 15th Bn. Lancashire Fusiliers was executed on 27/1/1917, he is buried in plot 2. A. 15. Executed on 31/1/1917 and buried in 2. A. 17 is Private A. Reid of the 16th Bn. Highland Light Infantry. In plot 2. A. 19 is Rifleman W Murphey of the 5/6 Bn. Royal Scots, he was executed on 7/2/1917.

Shot at Dawn: Private R. Morgan, 2nd Bn. Welsh Regiment, executed for murder 15/02/1915, plot 4. A. 17. Lance Corporal W Price, 2nd Welsh Regiment, executed for murder 15/02/1915, plot 4. A. 18. Private E Bryant, 10th Bn. Cheshire Regiment, executed for desertion 27/10/1917, plot 6. H. 3.

Shot at Dawn: Private J Archibald, 17th Bn. Royal Scots, executed for desertion 04/06/1916, plot 2. D. 15. (Extension)

, plot 2. G. 11.

Shot at Dawn: Private G Mills, 2nd Bn. Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, executed for desertion 29/09/1915, plot 8. B. 81.

Lance Bombardier F S Arnold, 1st Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery, executed for desertion 25/ 07/1916, plot 8. A. 137.

Private J W Roberts, 2nd Bn. Canadian Mounted Rifles, executed for desertion 30/07/1916, plot 8. A. 154.

Acting Corporal J R Short, 24th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers, executed for mutiny 04/10/1917, plot 8. I. 43.

Shot at Dawn: Private A G Earp, 1/5th Bn. Royal Warwickshire Regiment, executed 22/07/1916 for quitting his post, plot 1. C. 25. (Extension)

Shot at Dawn: Plot 2. K. 11. Corporal J Wilton of the 15th Sherwood Foresters, executed on 17/8/1916 for quitting his post.

Shot at Dawn: Rifleman W Bellamy, 1st Bn. King's Royal Rifle Corps, executed 16/07/1915 for cowardice, plot 4. D. 19.

Private G H Lawton, 17th Bn. Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby Regiment), executed 30/07/1916 for cowardice, plot 5. G. 13.

Private B McCubbin, 17th Bn. Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby Regiment) executed for cowardice 30/07/1916, plot 5. B. 16.

Shot at Dawn: Private J. B. Milburn, 24/27th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers, executed for desertion 08/11/1917, plot 2. C. 8. Private E. Horler, 12th Bn. West Yorkshire Regiment, executed for desertion 17/02/1918, plot 2. L. 14.

Shot at Dawn: Private J Smith, 1st Bn. Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, executed for desertion 02/07/1916, plot 2. A. 9.

Shot at Dawn: Private E Young, 25th Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force, executed for desertion 29/10/1916, plot 2. B. 14.

Shot at Dawn: Private D Stevenson, 13th Bn. Middlesex Regiment, executed for desertion 18/07/1918, plot 5. G. 1.

Shot at Dawn: Driver J. W. Swaine, 54th Battery, 39th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, executed for desertion 09/06/1916, row B. 6.

Shot at Dawn: The following are commemorated on special memorials within the cemetery: Lance Corporal P. Sands, 1st Bn. Royal Irish Rifles, executed for desertion 15/09/1915, special memorial 41, originally buried in Fleurbaix Churchyard, his grave is now lost. Private J. Wishard, 7th Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, executed for desertion 15/06/1917, special memorial 51, originally buried in Merris Churchyard, his grave is now lost.

Shot at Dawn: Private C M Milligan, 10th Cameronians, executed for desertion 03/06/1917, plot 19. A. 14.

Shot at Dawn: Private E W Harris, 10th Bn. Lancashire Fusiliers, executed for desertion 03/02/1917, row Z. 11. also buried within the cemetery in row Z. 10. Driver R Murray, 81st Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, executed for desertion 03/02/1917.

Rfn. Harry POOLE. 7th Bn. Yorkshire Regt. (Green Howards). Executed 9th Dec. 1916. Near north-west corner of cemetery

Pte. W. H. RANDLE. 10th Bn. Sherwood Foresters. Executed 25th Nov. 1916. Near north-west corner of cemetery, both these soldiers were executed for desertion

Shot at Dawn: Private W N Ling, 2nd Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force, executed for desertion on 12/08/1918. Plot 2. N. 20.

Shot at Dawn: Lance Corporal A Atkinson, 1st Bn. West Yorkshire Regiment, executed for desertion 02/03/1915, row B. 8.

Private E Kirk, 1st Bn. West Yorkshire Regiment, executed for desertion 06/03/1915, row B. 9.

Acting Corporal A Chisholm, 20th Army Troop Company, Royal Engineers, executed for Murder 17/05/1915, row B. 27.

Shot at Dawn: Private A Holmes, 8th Bn. King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, executed for desertion 24/08/1918, plot 3. C. 10. P

Private R W Simmers, 2nd Bn. Royal Scots, executed for desertion 19/05/1918, plot 3. A. 19.

Shot at Dawn: Private F. C. H. Bladen, 10th Bn. Yorks and Lancs Regt., executed for desertion 23/03/1916, plot 9. G. 94.

Private A. H. Robinson, 9th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers, executed for desertion 10/05/1916, plot 1. A. 18.

Private J Higgins, 1st/9th Bn. Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, executed for desertion 26/08/1916, plot 1. F. 22.

Private T. H. B. Rigby, 10th Bn. South Wales borderers, executed for desertion 22/11/1917, plot 2. A. 3.

Shot at Dawn: Private J Carey, 7th Bn. Royal Irish Fusiliers executed 15/09/1916 for desertion, plot 2. C. 86.

Shot at Dawn: Driver J Spencer, 65th Battery, 8th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, executed for desertion 29/09/1915, row B. 2.

Shot at Dawn: Private J J Sweeney, 1st Bn. Otago Regiment (New Zealand), executed for desertion 02/10/1916, plot 2. B. 1.

Shot at Dawn: 5. G. 46, Corporal J. Reid, 6th Bn. Cameronians was executed for desertion on 11/5/1918.

Shot at Dawn:

Lance Corporal J Holland, 10th Bn. Cheshire Regiment, executed for cowardice on 30/05/16, plot 2. E. 17.

Private E Perry 22nd Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force, executed for desertion on 11/04/1917, plot 6. C. 7.

Private D Sinizki, 52nd Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force, executed for cowardice on 09/10/1917, plot 6. K. 19.

Private M. R. Richmond, 1/6 Gordon Highlanders, executed for desertion on 26/05/1918, plot 5. L. 8.

Shot at Dawn: Private J Cassidy, 1st Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, executed for desertion on 23/07/1916 and buried in D. 5.

Shot at Dawn: Private G Hunter, 2nd Bn. Durham Light Infantry, executed for desertion on 02/07/1916, plot 1. B. 1A.

Shot at Dawn: Private A. Troughton, 1st Bn. Royal Welch Fusiliers, executed for desertion 22/04/1915, plot 3. D. 6.

Private A. Penn, 1st Bn. Royal Welch Fusiliers, executed for desertion 22/04/1915, plot 3. D. 6. (Both soldiers are in the same grave).

Shot at Dawn: Private R G Pattison of the 7th Queen's Regiment was executed on 4/7/1917 for desertion and Private J E Barnes of the 7th Royal Sussex Regiment, also shot for desertion on the 4/7/1917, these two soldiers are buried in plot 4. J. 16/17 respectively.

Shot at Dawn: Rifleman A E Allsop of the 12th King's Royal Rifle Corps is buried in plot 1 B 20, he was shot for desertion on 15/6/1917.

Shot at Dawn: Private J A Anderson of the 12th King's (Liverpool) Regiment was shot for cowardice on 12/9/1916, he is buried in plot D 22.

Shot at Dawn: Private H J Knight of the 1st Royal West Surrey Regiment is buried in plot 6. E. 20. he was executed for desertion on 6/10/1918.

Shot at Dawn: In plot 3. F. 2 lies Private J. Lewis of the 5th Bn. Dorset Regiment, he was executed for desertion on 19/04/1917.

Shot at Dawn: Private W. E. Anderson, 5th Bn. Dorset Regiment, executed for desertion 31/03/1917, plot 1. P. 1.

Shot at Dawn: Private L. Harris, 10th Bn. West Yorkshire Regiment, executed 07/11/1918 for desertion, row B. 34.

Shot at Dawn: Private T. Hopkins, 1/8th Bn. Lancashire Fusiliers, executed for leaving his post 13/02/1918, plot V. D. 13.

Shot at Dawn: Plot 8. C. 23. Rifleman J Woodhouse of the 12th King's Royal Rifle Corps, executed for desertion on 04/10/1917.

Shot at Dawn: Private J McQuade, 18th Bn. Highland Light Infantry, executed for desertion on 06/11/1916, plot 8. J. 7.

Private H Flynn, 18th Bn. Highland Light Infantry, executed for desertion on 15/11/1916, plot 8. G. 7.

Shot at Dawn: Private T Hogan, 2nd Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, executed for desertion on 15/05/1917, plot 1. G. 8.

Shot at Dawn: Plot 1. A. 13. Driver B De Fehr, 1st Canadian Reserve Park (Canadian Army Service Corps) executed for murder on 25/08/1916.

Shot at Dawn: Private F. O'Neill of the 1st Bn. Sherwood Foresters, this soldier was executed for desertion on 16/5/1918 for desertion, he is buried in plot 3. G. 6.

Shot at Dawn: Private J Scone, 2nd Bn. Welsh Regiment, executed 10/05/1918 for murder, plot 3. B. 1.

Private A Briggs, 9th Bn. Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment), executed 19/07/1918 for desertion, plot 3. E. 2.

Shot at Dawn: Private H. Hendricks, 2nd Bn. Leinster Regiment, executed for desertion 23/08/1918, plot 3. C. 1.

Shot at Dawn: Private J. Taylor, 2nd Bn. South Staffordshire Regiment, executed for desertion 06/11/1917, plot 7. A. 11.

Private A. C. Dagesse, 22nd Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force, executed for desertion 15/03/1918, plot 8. B. 8.

Shot at Dawn: Lance Corporal W J Irvine, 1st Bn. King's Own (Royal Lancaster) Regiment, executed for desertion 20/04/1915, plot 3. H. 19.

Private J Kershaw, 1st Bn. King's Own (Royal Lancaster) Regiment, executed for desertion, 26/04/1915, plot 3. H. 20.

Shot at Dawn: Private C W Knight, 10th Bn. Royal Welsh Fusiliers, executed for murder 15/11/1915, plot 3. B. 9.

Shot at Dawn: Private J Chandler, 10th Bn. Lincolnshire Regiment, executed for murder 11/08/1919, plot XIX. A. 1, there are also the graves of three men of the Chinese Labour Corps buried in 9. C. all executed for murder.

Shot at Dawn: Private J. J. Dennis, 1st Bn. Northamptonshire Regiment, executed for desertion 30/01/1916, plot 4. E. 16. ©

Shot at Dawn: Private S. H. Cunnington, 2nd Bn. Royal Warwickshire Regiment, executed for desertion 19/05/1917, plot 1. C. 1.

Shot at Dawn: Lance Sergeant W. Walton, 2nd Bn. King's Royal Rifle Corps, executed for desertion 23/03/1915, plot 1. A. 68.

Private I. Reid, 2nd Bn. Scots Guards, executed for desertion 09/04/1915, plot 3. B. 26.

Private J. Cuthbert, 9th Bn. Cheshire Regiment, executed for disobedience 06/05/1916, plot 5. F. 71.

Private E. J. Reynolds, 3rd Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force, executed for desertion 23/08/1916, plot 4. A. 39.

Private C. B. Nicholson, 8th Bn. Yorks and Lancs Regiment, executed for desertion 27/10/1917, plot 4. E. 66.

Shot at Dawn: 2. F. 6. Private P. Giles, 14th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers, shot for desertion on 24/08/1918.

Shot at Dawn: Two soldiers executed for desertion are buried here, in Plot 1. D. 17 lies Private H. MacDonald of the 12th Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, he was executed on 4/11/1916.

In Plot 1. D. 20 is buried Rifleman F. M. Barratt of the 7th Battalion, Kings Royal Rifle Corps, he was executed on 10/7/1917.

Shot at Dawn: Two soldiers both from the 15th Royal Irish Rifles and executed for desertion on 19/03/1916 are buried side by side in C20/21, they are Rifleman J. Templeton and Rifleman J. McCracken.

Shot at Dawn: Private W. Hunter, 1st Bn. Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, executed for desertion 21/02/1916, plot 1. B. 38.

Private W. Watts, 1st Bn Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, executed for desertion 05/05/1916, plot 1. H. 39.

Private J. Molyneaux, 1st Bn. Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, executed for desertion 15/06/1916, plot 1. H. 6.

Shot at Dawn: Private J. Swain, 5th Bn. Royal Berkshire Regiment, executed for desertion 11/08/1918, row A. 21. (Ext)

Shot at Dawn: (Communal) Private J. Graham, 2nd Royal Munster Fusiliers executed for desertion 21/12/1915 and buried in grave 42.

Private J. Docherty of the 9th Black Watch, he was executed for desertion on 15/02/1916 and is buried in grave 3.

Private J.T. Jones of the 1st Northamptonshire Regiment is buried in grave 104, he was executed on 24/02/1916 for desertion.

Private A. Dale of the 13th Royal Scots, executed on 03/03/1916 for murder and buried in grave 103.

Corporal C. Lewis of the 12th Highland Light Infantry was executed for desertion on 11/03/1916 and is buried in grave 98.

(Extension)

Private A. O'Neil of the 1st South Wales borderers was executed for desertion on 30/04/1916 and is buried in Plot 1.A.12.

In plot 1.B.5. is buried Driver J.W. Hasemore, he was executed on 12/05/1916 for disobedience, he served with the 180th Brigade, Field Artillery.

Private J. Thomas of the 2nd Welsh Regiment was executed for desertion on 20/05/1916 and is buried in plot. 1.D.2.

In plot 1.D.3. is Private W.H. Burrell of the 2nd Royal Sussex Regiment, he was shot for desertion on 22/05/1916.

Rifleman E.A. Card of the 20th Kings Royal Rifle Corps was executed for desertion on 22/09/1916 and is buried in plot 1.D.7.

One Canadian soldier executed for desertion is also buried here, in plot 3.B.12. lies Private C. Welsh of the 8th Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force, this man was executed on 06/03/1918.

Shot at Dawn: Private J. Swain, 5th Bn. Royal Berkshire Regiment, executed for desertion 11/08/1918, row A. 21. (Ext)

Shot at Dawn: Private W. T. Spry, 2nd Bn. Royal Fusiliers, executed for desertion 14/06/1918, plot 1. G. 19.

Shot at Dawn: Private G. Hanna, 1st Bn. Royal Irish Fusiliers, executed for desertion 06/11/1916, row E. 16.

Shot at Dawn:

Private F. Murray, 9th Gordons, attached Royal Engineers, executed for murder 01/10/1916, plot 1. P. 2.

Private A. Hamilton, 14th Bn. Durham Light Infantry, executed for desertion 27/03/1917, plot 1. P. 17.

Private H.E.J Lodge, 19th Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force, executed for desertion 13/03/1918, plot 4. B. 5.

Sapper F. Malyon, 12th Company Royal Engineers, attached Royal Field Artillery, executed for desertion 04/04.1917, plot 1. P. 18.

Private L. D. Elford, 7/8th Bn. King's Own Scottish borderers, executed for desertion 11/10/1918, plot 5. A. 19.

Shot at Dawn: Privates J. Jennings and G. Lewis of the 2nd Bn. South Lancashire Regiment, both executed for desertion on 26/06/1916, and buried in plot 1. D. 85/86. respectively.

Shot at Dawn: Private W. Robinson, 1st Bn. Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment), executed for desertion 10/04/1917, plot 3. B. 22.

Shot at Dawn: Private E. Worsley, 2nd Bn. Middlesex Regiment, executed for desertion 22/10/1917, plot 1. F. 3.

Shot at Dawn: Private F. Harding, 1st Bn. King's Royal Rifle Corps, executed for desertion 29/06/1916, plot 2. A. 6.

Private A. Murphy, 9th Bn. Cameronians, executed for desertion 17/08/1916, plot 2. A. 9.

Private H. H. Kerr, 7th Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force, executed for desertion 21/11/1916, plot 3. A. 9.

Private J. M. Higgins, 1st Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force, executed for desertion 07/02/1916, plot 1. B. 2.

Shot at Dawn: Trooper A. Butler, Royal Canadian Dragoons, executed for murder 02/07/1916, plot 4. M. 5.

Driver T. G. Hamilton, 72 Battery, 38 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, executed for striking a senior officer 03/10/1916, plot 3. K. 5.

Driver J. Mullany, 72 Battery, 38 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, executed for striking a senior officer, 03/10/1916, plot 3. K. 4.

Private J. Cameron, 1/5th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers, executed for desertion 04/12/1916, plot 2. A. 7.

Shot at Dawn: Rifleman H. Williams, 1/9th Bn. Royal Fusiliers (Queen Victoria's Rifles), executed for desertion 28/12/1917, plot 2. F. 4.

Shot at Dawn: Private E. Bolton, 1st Bn. Cheshire Regiment, executed for desertion 14/04/1916, plot 2. F. 7.

Shot at Dawn: Private J. Bateman, 2nd Bn. South Staffordshire Regiment, executed for desertion 03/12/1917, plot 6. A. 27.

Shot at Dawn: Private E. Jackson, 24th Bn. Royal Fusiliers, executed for desertion 07/11/1918, plot 4. C. 20.

Shot at Dawn: Private O. W. Hodgetts, 1st Bn. Worcestershire Regiment, executed for cowardice 04/06/1915, plot 4. D. 2.

Shot at Dawn: Private H. Carter, 11th Bn. Middlesex Regiment, executed for desertion 26/04/1916, row O. 2.

Shot at Dawn: Riflemen W. Smith and G. A. Irish, 2nd Bn. Rifle Brigade, executed for desertion 03/10/1915, buried in plot 1. E. 87/86 respectively.

Shot at Dawn: Private P. Murphy, 47th Bn. Machine Gun Corps, executed for desertion 12/09/1918, plot 4. E. 5.

Shot at Dawn: Private T. Ward, 8/10th Bn. Gordon Highlanders, executed for desertion 16/10/1917, plot 2. C. 17.

Private N.H Taysum, 9th Bn. The Black Watch, executed for desertion 16/10/1917, plot 2. C. 16.

Private J. S. Adamson, 7th Bn. Cameron Highlanders, executed for cowardice 23/11/1917, plot 2. C. 18.

Private H. Dalande, 8th Bn. Seaforth Highlanders, executed 09/03/1918, plot 2. D. 1.

Shot at Dawn: 3 soldiers, all from the 19th Bn. Durham Light Infantry and all executed on 18/01/1917.

Lance Corporals P. Goggins and J. Macdonald, both executed for quitting their post and Lance Serjeant J. W. Stones was executed for casting away his arms. All three are buried in row D. 1/2/3.

Shot at Dawn: Gunner W E Lewis, 124 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, executed for mutiny 29/10/1916, plot O. 1. M. 8.

Private J Braithwaite, 2nd Bn. Otago Regiment (New Zealand), executed for mutiny 29/10/1916, plot O. 1. K. 10.

Coolie F Y Wan, Chinese Labour Corps, executed 15/02/1919 for murder, plot S. 1. E. 2.

Coolie C M Hei, Chinese Labour Corps, executed for murder 21/02/1920, plot S. 1. F. 1.

Coolie C H K'hung, Chinese Labour Corps, executed 21/02/1920 for murder, plot S. 1. F. 6.

Shot at Dawn: Private E. Beaumont, 2nd Bn. Leicestershire Regiment, executed for desertion 24/06/1915, plot 1. G. 1.

Shot at Dawn: Private T. W. Watts, 7th Bn. East Yorkshire Regiment, executed for desertion 30/08/1917, row E. 32.

Private W. Neave, 10th Bn. West Yorkshire Regiment, executed for desertion 30/08/1917, row E. 33.

Private C. H. Kirman, 7th Bn. Lincolnshire Regiment, executed for desertion 23/09/1917, row F. 1.

Shot at Dawn: Lance Serjeant A. Wickings, 9th Bn. Rifle Brigade, executed for murder 07/03/1918, Division 62/1/K3. Gunner F. O. Wills, 50th Trench Mortar Battery, Royal Field Artillery, executed for murder27/05/1919, Division 64/6/E5.

Shot at Dawn: Rifleman J. Crozier, 9th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles, executed for desertion 27/02/1916, plot 1. A. 5.

Shot at Dawn: Private F. Wright, 1st Bn. Royal West Surrey Regiment, executed for desertion28/01/1917, plot 1. C. 7.

Private B. A. Hart, 1/7th Bn. Suffolk Regiment executed 06/02/1917 for desertion, plot 1. C. 10.

Private F. Stead, 2nd Bn. Duke of Wellington's Regiment, executed for desertion 12/02/1917, plot 2. C. 1.

Shot at Dawn: Second Lieutenant J. H. Patterson, 3rd Bn. Essex Regiment, attached 1st Bn. Executed for murder 24/09/1918, plot 4. B. 48.

Shot at Dawn: Corporal G. W. Latham, 2nd Bn. Lancashire Fusiliers, executed for desertion 22/01/1915, plot 2. F. 17.

Private F. Auger, 14th Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force, executed for desertion 26/03/1916, plot 3. H. 5.

Private P. Black, 1/4th Bn. The Black Watch, executed for desertion 18/09/1916, plot 1. B. 1.

Private J. King, 1st Bn. Canterbury Regiment (New Zealand), executed for desertion 19/08/1917, plot 1. Z. 23.

Shot at Dawn: Private H. Crimmins and Private A. Wild both of the 18th Bn. West Yorkshire Regiment, executed for desertion 05/09/1916 and buried in plot 5. F. 9/6 respectively.

Private J. A. Haddock, 12th Bn. Yorks & Lancs Regiment, executed for desertion 16/09/1916, plot 6. F. 5.

Shot at Dawn: Private H. G. Carter, 73rd Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force, executed for desertion 20/04/1917, plot 10. A. 7.

Private E. Fairburn, 18th Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force, executed for desertion 02/03/1918, plot 11. B. 23.

Private S. Fowles, 44th Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force, executed for desertion 19/06/1918, plot 13. B.1.

Private F. Bateman, 1/4th Yorks & Lancs Regiment, executed for desertion 10/09/1918, plot 12. C. 4.

Shot at Dawn: Private J. Ferguson, 1st Bn. Royal Scots Fusiliers, attached Royal Engineers, executed for desertion 20/04/1917, plot 1. C. 13

Shot at Dawn: Lance Corporal F. Hawthorne, 1/5th Bn. South Staffordshire Regiment, executed for Cowardice 11/08/1916, plot 12. C. 8.

Private W. J. Earl, 1/7th Bn. Lancashire Fusiliers, executed for desertion 27/05/1918, plot 12. B. 10.

Private T. Brigham, 1/10th Bn. Manchester Regiment, executed for desertion 04/06/1918, plot 11. C. 15.

Shot at Dawn: Lance Corporal G. E. Hughes, 7th Bn. King's Own (Royal Lancaster) Regiment, executed for desertion, 23/11/1916, plot 6. D. 18.

Shot at Dawn: Private A. Davids, 1st cape Coloured Labour Regiment, executed for murder 26/08/1919, row A. 15.

Private W. P. Harris, 1st Cape Coloured Labour Regiment, executed for murder, 26/08/1919, row A. 14.

Private F. Boos, 1st Cape Coloured Labour Regiment, executed for murder, 15/10/1919, row A. 16.

Turkey :

16734 Private H Salter, 6th Bn. East Lancashire Regiment, executed for desertion 11/12/1915. Plot 1. G. 26

9610 Serjeant J Robins, 5th Bn. Wiltshire Regiment, executed 02/01/1916 for disobedience. Sp. Mem. C. 259

LF.

Good evening, I have just been looking at the vast list of executions researched by yourself. I came across the executions of four young boys while researching my Grandfathers diaries from 1915/1916. Two in particular caught my eye dated 19th March 1916,  15/13211  Private McCracken age 19 and 15/890 Private Templeton age 19  Mailly Maillet communal cemetery.

 

I was unable to find two lads (in your list, or just missed them amongst so many) executed on the 20th March behind a Chateau being used by the K.E.H , I believe they were - G/1799 Private Beverstein. Abraham. age 19 (alias Harris A) Middlesex Regiment and 21161. Private Martin. Harry. 9th Batt Essex Regiment. Labourse communal cemetery. The reason I was researching executions on the dates is because my Grandfathers brother was on guard duty on the day of their deaths and witnessed it. At the time my Grandfather was near Sailly Le Bourse.

 

" William came over this afternoon, he had been on working party and brought me back the nose piece of a gas shell. we had an interesting talk and arranged to meet at Bethune. He told me that two men from our 12th division were shot behind the chateau (occupied by K.E.H) desertion from the ranks, he was on night guard duty and heard the whole thing".

 

I was lucky enough to come across the a report of the letters sent home by Abraham and the report of witness statements. He was given no defence at all. His case after was taken up by Sylvia Pankhurst, she protested about the injustice of executing a 19 year old volunteer who had recently come out of hospital with injuries and shell shock. Because of this there was a question asked in the the House Of Commons, the only real outcome was that from then on the reporting of executed soldiers was simply "died of wounds"

 

My Grandfather was later called on as a witness in a desertion court martial, He had some understanding of the mental trauma the men were going through and it probably helped the soldier get off with 80 days detention. I have started a Blog with extracts from the diaries on GWF ("Only With Honour") (as yet no followers and only a few views) You may find it of interest

Regards

Dave D

 

 

[johnboy]

Can you post the link to your blog please?

[Gardenerbill]

@johnboy It's on the forum, just select the 'Blog' tab at the top of the page the blog will come up for you to read or follow.

[Robin Garrett]

"Shot at Dawn: Private, A L Jefferies of the 6th Bn. King's Own Shropshire Light Infantry, executed for desertion on 01/11/1916 and buried in plot 3. O. 1."

 

For the sake of accuracy, his regiment should be amended to read King's Shropshire Light Infantry.

 

I wonder when he had deserted. According to the account of the battalion's actions set out in the History of the KSLI in the Great War, it had been out of the line from 9 Oct 16; I guess it must have been during the Battles of either Guillemont or the Transloy Ridges.

[RegHannay]

10 hours ago, johnboy said:

Can you post the link to your blog please?

Morning Johnboy. Yep you can find the Blog "Only With Honour" in the blog section of this forum under the browse section. I am going to attempt to do extracts from each month but being 80,000 words in total (with some research details) It will be lucky dip on what gets entered (depends where the cursor stops!) If you enjoy it spread the message.

Regards 

Dave D

[FROGSMILE]

21 hours ago, RegHannay said:

Good evening, I have just been looking at the vast list of executions researched by yourself. I came across the executions of four young boys while researching my Grandfathers diaries from 1915/1916. Two in particular caught my eye dated 19th March 1916,  15/13211  Private McCracken age 19 and 15/890 Private Templeton age 19  Mailly Maillet communal cemetery.

 

I was unable to find two lads (in your list, or just missed them amongst so many) executed on the 20th March behind a Chateau being used by the K.E.H , I believe they were - G/1799 Private Beverstein. Abraham. age 19 (alias Harris A) Middlesex Regiment and 21161. Private Martin. Harry. 9th Batt Essex Regiment. Labourse communal cemetery. The reason I was researching executions on the dates is because my Grandfathers brother was on guard duty on the day of their deaths and witnessed it. At the time my Grandfather was near Sailly Le Bourse.

 

" William came over this afternoon, he had been on working party and brought me back the nose piece of a gas shell. we had an interesting talk and arranged to meet at Bethune. He told me that two men from our 12th division were shot behind the chateau (occupied by K.E.H) desertion from the ranks, he was on night guard duty and heard the whole thing".

 

I was lucky enough to come across the a report of the letters sent home by Abraham and the report of witness statements. He was given no defence at all. His case after was taken up by Sylvia Pankhurst, she protested about the injustice of executing a 19 year old volunteer who had recently come out of hospital with injuries and shell shock. Because of this there was a question asked in the the House Of Commons, the only real outcome was that from then on the reporting of executed soldiers was simply "died of wounds"

 

My Grandfather was later called on as a witness in a desertion court martial, He had some understanding of the mental trauma the men were going through and it probably helped the soldier get off with 80 days detention. I have started a Blog with extracts from the diaries on GWF ("Only With Honour") (as yet no followers and only a few views) You may find it of interest

Regards

Dave D

 

 

Dave, you might be interested to know that Private McCracken and his execution were written about by his now infamous commanding officer, Lt Col (later Brig Gen) Frank Crozier, who wrote several books about his military experience, including one called ‘The Men I Killed’.  The books make good, if rather unedifying, reading.

Edited 15 January , 2020 by FROGSMILE

[Robin Garrett]

12 hours ago, RegHannay said:

Shot at Dawn: Private, A L Jefferies of the 6th Bn. King's Own Shropshire Light Infantry, executed for desertion on 01/11/1916 and buried in plot 3. O. 1.

Reg

 

I don't think this man was in the KSLI but was in 6th Somerset Light Infantry. See https://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/279415/jefferies,-alfred-leonard/.

 

Robin

[RegHannay]

Thank you Frogsmile, I will look out for the book. For some reason the name Crozier rings bells .. Dave D