Demoted officers?

[r.palframan]

Hi Everyone,

 

I am looking into officers for a research project and came across a couple of individuals who were removed from their commission based on their inability to execute the role or command their men. The individuals I have found were removed from their post and forced to resign their commission by the War Office and were then re-enlisted into the ranks. I have seen a couple of entries on the forum on a similar subject but I am struggling to find any detail. Is anyone aware of any work on this topic? Or any references which I might use to follow it further?

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Ros

[corisande]

I have come across a number while researching ex-officers joining the Auxiliary Division of the RIC. There is a list here on this link

 

In particular there is original correspondence on these men, and why they were removed

 

EB Gilkes - click

 

WRF Weymouth - click

 

 

[ss002d6252]

38 minutes ago, r.palframan said:

Hi Everyone,

 

I am looking into officers for a research project and came across a couple of individuals who were removed from their commission based on their inability to execute the role or command their men. The individuals I have found were removed from their post and forced to resign their commission by the War Office and were then re-enlisted into the ranks. I have seen a couple of entries on the forum on a similar subject but I am struggling to find any detail. Is anyone aware of any work on this topic? Or any references which I might use to follow it further?

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Ros

Details on which aspect specifically ? The process of  removal,the re-enlistment etc ?

Craig

[r.palframan]

Thank you corisande, that's really useful!

 

Hi Craig,

I am particularly interested in the process of removal and whether this was a common occurrence. From my own research there doesn't seem to be a formal procedure, simply an escalation through commanding officers petitioning their removal. I would love to know more about specific individuals and their circumstances.

Thanks

[Loader]

Only case I ever saw was service record for an officer who it was suggested he be removed but he was not. He was transferred to another Corps, ASC I think.

 His paper was marked by his CO that he seemed unable to command his men with any authority & also that he seemed to be afraid of his Sergeant! He kept his commission but sent to ASC for rest of war & did ok.

[EastSurrey]

Two cases from 9th East Surrey from  around September 1918. Lt. Col. Ewen Cameron complained about two officers. Thomas Rawson (TNA WO374/56390) enlisted in the Pay Corps Aug. 1914, before re-enlisting 1916 in the King's Liverpool. He was commissioned 4/1917 and went through Cambrai. No good medical reason was found for his behaviour . He was not court martialled but considered unfit to hold a commission and  it was decided he was to be demobbed a.s.a.p.

Cameron also considered Geoffrey Sampson was 'in no way fit to command men', but the brigadier put this down to ignorance rather than incapacity, and he served on until 1921. (WO339/56639.)

Michael

[r.palframan]

Thank you so much, this is really helpful!

Ros