General Chat

Did anyone's ancestors get executed or arrested for 'cowardness' in either WW's?

My Grandad got arrested in Canada for desertion in WW2, after he and a friend jumped ship. Luckily for him he did, as he was on the HMS Hood, and whilst he was in Canada, the ship was sunk.

Paul my uncle was on the HMS Hood :-( Rosex

One of my uncles was a member of a firing squad during WW2, My mum told me about the time when he talked to her about it, He said there were 6 of them and thier rifles were loaded for them,,only one of them had a live bullet, He didnt have a choice and was ordered to do it, Mum said he cried at the inhumanity of it all....

My wife's Grandfather's brother was arrested but not executed. His charge was cowardice but in reality it was not. He suffered from shell shock and was in no state to serve but they were going to force him back into the front lines but thankfully before he went back, the war was declared over and he was released. When I first met him he was a nervous wreck. He lived with his wife and son but did not recognise either of them. Eventually, when his wife died, they did not tell him because it would have meant nothing to him. Sad really to think that such a life was lost as were many others.

A cousin of my mother was shot for desertion in WW1. He was 22, and not very bright. His father said he should never have been in the forces. For some reeason he wandered off, so couldn't accompany his regiment when they moved. At his court marshall, he said nothing in his defence (I wonder whether he realised what was going on?) He was found guilty, but recommended for mercy. He was shot. His parents fought to have his name on the war memorial, and on their headstone they name him as being killed in action. We will be pleased to get a pardon. Anne

Some terrible experiences! What a horrible stigma to be left with, and how unfair. Most of the men in wars were conscripts, and basically forced to fight for King and country. Most would have been proud to do it, but I would imagine they would have all been frightened to death ! It's a bit different with those that choose the armed forces as their career, but I wouldn't blame any of those for losing their nerve. A very thought provoking thread Lynda x

Paul, My late father in law was meant to be on the Hood on that fateful trip........ Fortunately he missed the boat because he was drunk!!! maggie

Like Alan' story, my Grandfather's cousin came back from WW1 a broken man - he was not accused of cowardice, did his bit but the horrors of the trenches were just too much for this gentle and cultured man. He spent his remaining 43 years in an Asylum. His wife and five children had to fend for themselves, with family help, not a penny from the government. His wife could not even sell or pawn his Service Medals and she threw them in the bin. OC

I've been trying to trace a friend of my grandad's who lives in Lynn. He was his friend on the hood, and he is the one who jumped ship with them. Al i know is his nickname, and it's 'Ginner'. My Grandad was on a Canadian Ship, in custody when the Hood was sank. He was released to help go round and pick up the survivors.

I watched a programme on the History channel yesterday about a team of archealogists that were excavating both British and German trenches, How these poor poor men stood it i just dont know,,how brave they were The conditions,trench foot,,the gas attacks, Makes my eye infection seem very futile,