Ron da Valli Posted 22 February , 2014 Share Posted 22 February , 2014 During my research I came across this MIC to a different J Jones to the one I wanted: I don't know any further details about his death, if it occurred whilst on active service, or after the war. Does anyone know if this was standard practice and are there anymore instances. Thanks in advance Darryl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ss002d6252 Posted 22 February , 2014 Share Posted 22 February , 2014 Suicide was a crime under the law at the time so presumably his medal were forfeited due to this. Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron da Valli Posted 22 February , 2014 Author Share Posted 22 February , 2014 Thanks for that Craig, I wasn't aware of that, seems likely then that this is what happened. I wonder if other criminal activities ended up with the same result. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seany Posted 22 February , 2014 Share Posted 22 February , 2014 In researching 8792 BSM George Albert Colclough Murray 293 siege battery RGA - MIC missing - I note correspondence following his suicide in 1920, from family determined to get his property and mdals. I wonder if they too would hv been forfiet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevinrowlinson Posted 22 February , 2014 Share Posted 22 February , 2014 Sean There are two MICs for 8792 Murray, one card for his MID and another for his two medals. It looks as though they sent them as there is nothing on the MIC suggesting they didn't. Just search by number and Murray. What I found even sadder was he shot himself after shooting his wife. Kevin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
centurion Posted 22 February , 2014 Share Posted 22 February , 2014 Men convicted of crimes could forfeit. Attempted suicide was a crime but I strongly suspect that there is no instance of any one being charged, tried and convicted for the crime of suicide, As it is a standard principle of British justice that one is innocent until found guilty then this forfeit does seem very inconsistent but then no one ever said that the British medal system had to be consistent! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seany Posted 22 February , 2014 Share Posted 22 February , 2014 Sean There are two MICs for 8792 Murray, one card for his MID and another for his two medals. It looks as though they sent them as there is nothing on the MIC suggesting they didn't. Just search by number and Murray. What I found even sadder was he shot himself after shooting his wife. Kevin I have the inquest report if you want a transcript via an Australian newspaper , therein lies a murky tale. I looked for that MIC and couldn't see it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seaforths Posted 22 February , 2014 Share Posted 22 February , 2014 I have been and still am researching a man that committed suicide at the front. He has no MIC, no medal roll entry and no died in the Great War entry. He has a service record and a grave. The board of enquiry papers were 'weeded' from his records in the 1950s. I think in some cases a verdict of suicide caused by temporary insanity was recorded and in these cases, the medals stood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rflory Posted 22 February , 2014 Share Posted 22 February , 2014 I have the medals to two Royal Artillery officers who committed suicide in France during the Great War and their medals were not forfeited. One shot himself with a pistol was hospitalized and the other shot himself with a pistol outside of the officers' mess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coldstreamer Posted 23 February , 2014 Share Posted 23 February , 2014 I have a MM to coldstreamer who killed hinmself. The trio was sent to and signed for by the NOK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron da Valli Posted 23 February , 2014 Author Share Posted 23 February , 2014 Thanks for all the replies, it's certainly an interesting " angle" on awarding and forfeiting medals, I bet there are plenty more stories out there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joseph Posted 23 February , 2014 Share Posted 23 February , 2014 Hi, He would forfeit under Section 18 of the Army Act, if not re-instated, then the coroner did not find any evidence to say his mind was disturbed. Regards Charles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron da Valli Posted 23 February , 2014 Author Share Posted 23 February , 2014 Thanks for that Charles. I've since discovered that he died on 7th June 1916 and is listed on the Loos Memorial. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seaforths Posted 23 February , 2014 Share Posted 23 February , 2014 Fascinating thread. This afternoon I was reading information on a suicide committed as a POW. his widow was awarded a half pension as he did not DoW nor was he KiA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellow Posted 24 February , 2014 Share Posted 24 February , 2014 This is very interesting: http://www.bbc.co.uk/whodoyouthinkyouare/past-stories/matthew-pinsent.shtml Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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