The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

apanderson · Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2015 10:44 am Post subject: WW1 Court Martial

After downloading a set of WW1 Service Records for someone, it was discovered that the soldier in question had been Court-Martialled and we were wondering if there is any further avenues to pursue to access further information.

According to 'Google', an offence at this level (desertion, but no indication of how long) and after it being agreed by 3 officers could or would have carried the sentence of being shot. His punishment was 35 days F.P. No. 1. (Something Prison?)

The man in question was eventually discharged in July 1918 and went on to re-enlist in July 1921.

Anne

KOF · Joined: 29 Nov 2010 Posts: 15 Location: Scottish Borders

Hi Anne,

F.P. stands for Field Punishment.
F.P. No 1 meant the soldier was shackled to a fixed object. Here's a link to an article with an overview on the subject. It should be of help.

http://www.1914-1918.net/crime.htm

As to finding out where to look for more info? Have you checked his unit's War Diary. I've come across details of various courts martial in war diaries. There may also be some details in the records of the office of the Adjutant-General/ office of the Provost-Martial. However, as you'll see in the link, it all depends on what his unit was doing at the time. As to where the records of the Adjutant-General and Provost Marshal are available are? I dunno! National Archives?

Anyhoo, hope this helps.

Cheers

Colin

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2015 11:47 am Post subject:

Anne - I'd guess that the Battalion War Diary might be the best route.

F.P. No1 (from http://www.1914-1918.net/crime.htm)

Field Punishment Number 1 consisted of the convicted man being shackled in irons and secured to a fixed object, often a gun wheel or similar. He could only be thus fixed for up to 2 hours in 24, and not for more than 3 days in 4, or for more than 21 days in his sentence. This punishment was often known as 'crucifixion' and due to its humiliating nature was viewed by many Tommies as unfair. Field Punishment Number 2 was similar except the man was shackled but not fixed to anything. Both forms were carried out by the office of the Provost-Marshal, unless his unit was officially on the move when it would be carried out regimentally i.e. by his own unit.

EDIT - snap, Colin. Laughing

_________________
Ken

KOF · Joined: 29 Nov 2010 Posts: 15 Location: Scottish Borders

Hehe!
Great minds think alike. Smile

apanderson · Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2015 11:04 pm Post subject:

Thanks guys!

Anne