Deserters - World War One

Deserters - WW1

Not captured

See World War One - Shot at Dawn

Please add the profiles of WW1 deserters who were either shot at dawn or not, (i.e. this project excludes those who were shot at dawn for other reasons in order to accommodate those who were not "found"), to this project. Most offenders were caught and punished; this project is to include those who weren't. It is a universal project.

Desertion was a serious offence during the First World War, subject to court martial and a death sentence. A deserter was not entitled to receive any Medals/Awards earned in their service.

Records of courts martial can be found at The National Archives (TNA) in series WO 213, WO 92 or WO 90.

Definition

In military terminology, desertion is the abandonment of a duty or post without permission (a pass, liberty or leave) and is done with the intention of not returning. In contrast, Unauthorised Absence (UA) or Absence Without Leave (US: AWOL; Commonwealth: AWL) refers to a temporary absence.

There are 395 entries listed as the result of a search at findmypast using an optional keyword "deserter". These include many from "British Army, deserters and absentees in Police Gazette 1914-1919".

Ancestry have a section "Disciplinary" in their Military section. For ... "those found in these records, details typically include the soldier’s name, offence, penalty or sentence, his regiment, and the date of the offence. The Confederate Applications for Presidential Pardons, 1865-1867 can include multiple pages of correspondence and affidavits, which may contain references to other family members.

These records document the trials and chastisement of soldiers who have not adhered to the military's code of conduct, whether it be in treatment of the enemy or desertion. Records of military disciplinary actions range from reprimands to courts martial to execution. "

NATIONAL ARCHIVES First World War courts martial
See also Courts martial and desertion in the British Army 17th-20th centuries

6.1 Death sentences

Death sentences were passed by the British Army in courts martial between 1914 and 1924 for offences such as sleeping on duty, cowardice, desertion, murder, mutiny and treason. Death sentences were passed on over 3,000 British soldiers, members of Dominion, Colonial and foreign forces, and several British and foreign civilians. Over 90% of these sentences were later changed to other punishments, such as hard labour or penal servitude.
For all offences except mutiny, see G Oram and J Putkowski, Death sentences passed by the military courts of the British Army, 1914-1924. This gives lists of sentences by date and surname. Each entry gives a reference number. Add WO to the front of this number, and you have the full National Archives reference. Most records of courts martial are in WO 213, WO 92 or WO 90.

Tracing deserters
Who do you think you are?

The first place to learn more about a possible deserter is to look at details given in the service record. The section relating to “statement of services” in the records lists will list details of “promotions, reductions, casualties etc” including dates of any desertion.
If you find a record of desertion in the service record you may be able to find out more by using the following sources:

• Try searching in The Police Gazette - (see above reference to findmypast) - for the relevant time period. You may also be able to find your ancestor mentioned in local newspapers. A complete collection of the Police Gazette can be found at the British Library Newspaper Collection in Colindale. Local newspapers can also be found there or at your local archives.
  
• The following publication, Death Sentences Passed by the Military Courts of the British Army, 1914-1924 (G Oram and J Putkowski) provides details of all those sentenced to death with reference numbers to original documents at TNA (simply add the prefix “WO”). Further details can be found on the archives' website.
  

There are registers of deserters, 1811-1852, in WO 25/2906-2934. Until 1827 they are kept in three series:

1. cavalry,
2. infantry and
3. militia (the latter up to 1820 only).

After 1827 they are arranged by regiment.
These registers give descriptions, dates and place of enlistment and desertion, and outcome.

There are registers of ...

• Captured deserters, 1813-1845, in WO 25/2935-2951, with indexes up to 1833 in WO 25/2952, WO 25/2953, and WO 25/2954.
• Deserters who surrendered themselves under proclamation, 1803-1815, are in WO 25/2955.

On capture, some deserters were sentenced to imprisonment on the Savoy hulk: there are unindexed registers for the hulk, 1799-1823 (WO 25/2956).

Local newspapers and (for 1828 to 1845) the police newspapers Hue and Cry and the Police Gazette carried details of deserters, giving name, parish and county of birth, regiment, date and place of desertion, a physical description and other relevant information. For deserters in Australia (HO 75) consult Fitzmaurice, Army deserters from HM Service.

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The following were known to have been Shot at Dawn for desertion.

A

• Private Abigail, John Henry; 9694. 8th Bn. Norfolk Regiment, executed for desertion 12/09/1917, aged 20. Esquelbecq Communal Cemetery his stone Son of John James and Susannah Maria Abigail, of 17, Distillery Yard, Oak St., Norwich (WO 71/592)
• Private Ainley, George; 202893 1st/4th Bn. Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, executed for desertion on 30/07/1918, aged 20. Plott II. D.%.Hagle Dump Cemetery. Son of George and Alice Mary Ainley, of 82, Randall St., Sheffield, Yorks. (WO 71/658)
• Sergeant Alexander, William; Company Quartermaster; 10th Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force, executed for desertion on 18/10/1917, Plot II. D. 43. Barlin Communal Cemetery Extension
• Private Allsop, Arthur E; 12th King's Royal Rifle Corps is buried in plot 1. B. 20, Favreuil British Cemetery. Executed for desertion on 15/06/1917. (WO 71/561)
• Private Anderson, William Edward; 9828. 5th Bn. Dorset Regiment, executed for desertion 31/03/1917, aged 21. Plot I. P. 1. Gezaincourt Communal Cemetery Extension. Son of William Henry Anderson, of 65, Fanshawe Avenue, Barking, Essex. (WO 71/497) (WO 71/554)
• Private Ansted, Alfred Thomas; L/11710. 4th Bn. Royal Fusiliers, executed for desertion, 15/11/1916, aged 29. Plot 1. J. 12. Bertrancourt Military Cemetery. Son of Mary Ann and the late Henry John Ansted, of 9, Wood End Cottages, Northolt, Middlesex. (WO 71/517)
• Private Archibald, James; 25531. 17th Bn. Royal Scots, executed for desertion 04/06/1916, plot 2. D. 15. (Extension) Beuvry Communal Cemetery Extension. Born 1895-96, employed as a Plumber before he enlisted on 8 June 1915. He named his next-of-kin as his sister, Mrs Elizabeth Gray, 9 Rosevale Place, Leith. (WO 71/473)
• Lance Bombardier Arnold, Frederick S; C/40124. 1st Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery, executed for desertion 25/ 07/1916. Plot VIII. A. 137. Boulogne Eastern Cemetery
• Lance Sergeant Ashton, Harry; 11/Cameronians. Executed 8/7/1917 for desertion. Karasouli Military Cemetery, Greece. Borne 1896-97 Manchester. Father William, mother Alice of Blackburn(WO 71/573)
• Lance Corporal Atkinson, Alfred; 8014. 1st Bn. West Yorkshire Regiment, executed for desertion 02/03/1915. Row B. 8. Chapelle-d'Armentieres Old Military Cemetery (WO 71/402)
• Private Auger, Fortunat; 23621. 14th Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force, executed for desertion 26/03/1916. Plot III. H. 5. Trois Arbres Cemetery

B

• Private Baker, William; 26th Bn. Royal Fusiliers, executed for desertion 14/08/1918, plot XXV. B. 22. Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery (WO 71/660)
• Private Ball, Joseph; 14232. 4th Coy. 2nd Bn. Middlesex Regiment, executed for desertion 12/01/1915 aged 20. Panel 31 and 32 Le Touret Memorial. Son of Thomas and Emily Ball, of 112, Lancefield St., Queen's Park, London. (WO 71/392)
• Private Barnes, John Edward; G/4495. 7th Bn. Royal Sussex Regiment, executed for desertion 04/07/1917, aged 24. Son of Edward and Sarah Jane Barnes, of 49, Arundel Rd., Littlehampton. Plot IV. J. 17. (Cemetery) Faubourg d'Amiens Cemetery, Arras (WO 71/568)
• Private Bateman, Frank; 203313. 1st/4th Yorks & Lancs Regiment, executed for desertion 10/09/1918. Plot 12. C. 4. Villers Station Cemetery (WO 71/666)
• Private Bateman, John Harold or Joseph?; 200945. 2nd Bn. South Staffordshire Regiment, executed for desertion 03/12/1917. Plot VI. A. 27. Rocquigny-Equancourt Road British Cemetery. Husband of Florence May Bateman, of 7a, Vauxhall Street, Dudley. (WO 71/621)
• Private Beaumont, Ernest Alfred; 2nd Bn. Leicestershire Regiment, executed for desertion 24/06/1915, plot I. G. 1. St. Vaast Post Military Cemetery (WO 71/418)
• Pioneer/Sapper Beeby, Ernest; 89173. 212th Company, Royal Engineers, executed for desertion on 09/12/1916. Plot I. R. 43. Albert Communal Cemetery Extension (WO 71/528)
• Driver Bell, John; 70304. 57th Bty, Royal Field Artillery, executed for desertion 25/04/1915. Panel 1. Le Touret Memorial. Son of John Bell, of Finglas, Co. Dublin. (WO 71/412)
• Private Benham, William; 251797. 1st/3rd Bn. Royal Fusiliers executed for desertion on 12/07/1917. Berlencourt (Le Cauroy) Communal Cemetery (WO 71/570)
• Private Bevistein (aka Harris), Abraham; 11/1799. 17 - 11th Battalion Middlesex Regiment. executed for desertion 20/03/1916. Row B. 5. Labourse Communal Cemetery (WO 71/456)
• Private Black, Peter; 6744. 1/4th Bn. The Black Watch, executed for desertion 18/09/1916. Plot I. B. 1. Trois Arbres Cemetery. Born 01/04/1895 St. Andrews. Father George Myles (gardener), mother maggie Kirkland nee Wilkie (married 01/01/1891?) St. SAndrews(WO 71/502)
• Private Bladen, F Charles H; 14357. 10th Bn. Yorks and Lancs Regt., executed for desertion 23/03/1916. Plot 9. G. 94. Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery Armentieres (WO 71/458)
• Private Blakemore, Denis Jetson; 8th Bn. North Staffordshire Regiment executed for desertion 09/07/1917, plot I. A. 22. Locre Hospice Cemetery. Son of George L. and Sophia Blakemore, of 3, St. George's St., Mountfields, Shrewsbury. Native of Bicton, Shrewsbury. WW1 Cemeteries Image of the grave (WO 71/569)
• Private Bolton, Edward; 10263. 1st Bn. Cheshire Regiment, executed for desertion 14/04/1916, Plot II. F. 7. Roclincourt Valley Cemetery (WO 71/459)
• Private Bowerman, William; G/12341. 1st Bn. Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment, executed for desertion on 24/03/1917, aged 38. Panel 65 to 67. Dud Corner Cemetery - Loos (WO 71/556)
• Private Brennan, Joseph; 4567. 1st/8th King's (Liverpool) Regiment, executed for desertion on 16 07/1916. Grave location 2/A/13. Barly French Military Cemetery (WO 71/483)
• Private Briggs, Arthur; 21801. Sherwood Forresters, (Notts and Derby Regiment). Executed 19/7/1918 for desertion at Bracquemont. Grave III. E. 2 Hersin Communal Cemetery Extension. Son of Harriet Briggs of 7 Railway View, Locksford Lane, Brimington, Chesterfield. (WO 71/653)
• Private Briggs, James; 5231. 2nd Bn. Border Regiment, executed for desertion 06/03/1915. Panel 19 and 20. Le Touret Memorial (WO 71/404)
• Private Brigham, Thomas; 300199. 1st/10th Bn. Manchester Regiment, executed for desertion 04/06/1918. Plot 11. C. 15. Warlincourt Halte British Cemetery (WO 71/6549)
• Private Britton, Charles; 200757. 1st/5th Bn. Royal Warwickshire Regiment executed for desertion, 12/09/1917. Plot VII. F. 36. Mendinghem Military Cemetery. Son of John and Ellen Britton, of 31, Allison Street, Birmingham. (WO 71/586)
• Private Broadrick, Frederick; 17402. 11th Bn. Royal Warwickshire Regiment, executed for desertion on 01/08/1917. Plot II. J. 24. Dranoutre Military Cemetery. (WO 71/576)
• Private Brown(e), Archibald 8278. 2nd Bn. Essex Regiment, executed for desertion 19/12/1914, aged 26. Panel 7. Ploegsteert Memorial. Son of Mrs. Elizabeth Browne, of Greene St., Ingatestone, Essex. Born 11/06/1888 at Leven, father Roabert (coal miner), mother Elizabeth nee White - married at Scoonie 28/11/1883. (WO 71/390)
• Private Brown, Archibald; S/5470. Black Watch (Royal Highlanders), 10 Bn. Executed for desertion 01/06/1917. Karasouli Military Cemetery, Greece Son of Mrs. Elizabeth Brown, of 28, Louth Street, Leven. (WO 71/565)
• Private Bryant, Ernest; 20101. 10th Bn. Cheshire Regiment, executed for desertion 27/10/1917. Plot VI. H. 3. Bethune Town Cemetery. (WO 71/616)
• Private Burden, Herbert Francis; 1st Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers, executed for desertion 21/07/1915, aged 17. Addenda Panel 60. Menin Gate Memorial. (WO 71/424)
• Private Butcher, Frederick Charles; G/18469. 7th Bn. The Buffs (East Kent Regiment), executed for desertion 27/08/1918, aged 23. Panel 3 - Vis-en-Artois Memorial. Son of Mrs. E. Butcher, of 24A, Park St., Folkestone. (WO 71/664)
• Private Byers (or Murray), Joseph; 15576. 1st Bn. Royal Scots Fusiliers executed for desertion 06/02/1915, Plot 1. A. 1 Loker (formerly Locre) Churchyard (WO 71/397)

For years Joseph Byers was believed to have been the youngest soldier executed being aged only 16 or 17 and from Dumfries (the son of a fruiterer). This information presumably from a birth certificate or census of the man (boy) in Dumfries. This error was published in the book 'Shot at Dawn'.

• Private Byrne, Stephen (Monaghan M); 40422. No.1 Coy.,1st Bn. Royal Dublin Fusiliers executed for desertion on 28/10/1917, aged 30. (Served as M. MONAGHAN). Brother of Thomas Byrne, of 32, Usher's Quay, Dublin. Bay 9. (Memorial) Faubourg d'Amiens Cemetery, Arras. (WO 71/613)

C

• Private Cairnie. (William) Peter 1st Bn. Royal Scots Fusiliers, executed for desertion 28/12/1916. Pier and Face 3 C. Thiepval Memorial to the Missing. Born 1890-91 - attestation/joining papers from Leith has his name as Peter Cairnie, aged 25 years 0 months on 3 May 1916 born Glasgow Lanarkshire. (WO 71/532)
• Private Cameron, John; 5/1791. 1st/5th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers, executed for desertion 04/12/1916. Plot 2. A. 7. Ribemont Communal Cemetery Extension. (WO 71/524)
• Private Carey, Joseph; 21373. 7th Bn. Royal Irish Fusiliers executed 15/09/1916 for desertion. Plot 2. C. 86. Corbie Communal Cemetery Extension. (WO 71/500)
• Private Carr, James G; 10874. 2nd Bn. Welsh Regiment executed for desertion on 07/02/1916. Auchel Communal Cemetery. Welsh (WO 71/443)
• Private Carter, Harold George; 454482. 73rd Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force, executed for desertion 20/04/1917. Plot 10. A. 7. Villers Station Cemetery
• Private Carter, Henry; 11th Bn. Middlesex Regiment, executed for desertion 26/04/1916, row O. 2. Sailly Labourse Communal Cemetery (WO 71/461)
• Private Cassidy, James; 1st Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, executed for desertion on 23/07/1916 and buried in D. 5. Englebelmer Communal Cemetery Extension. (WO 71/484)
• Rifleman Cheeseman, Frank William; R/24441. 18th Bn. King's Royal Rifle Corps, 20/10/17, aged 29. Husband of Rebecca Cheeseman, of 84, Dale Rd., Canning Town, London. Native of Redhill, Surrey. Plot IV. G. 23. - Desertion. Coxyde Military Cemetery, Belgium. (WO 71/532)
• Private Clarke, Wilfred; 11606. 2nd Bn. Durham Light Infantry, executed for desertion on 09/02/1918, Plot I. D. 18. Bancourt British Cemetery. (WO 71/678)
• Private Collins, George Ernest; 1st Bn Lincolnshire Regiment, executed for desertion 15/02/1915, Plot 1. B. 1. Loker (formerly Locre) Churchyard. (WO 71/399)
• Private Comte, Gustave; 448160. 22nd Bn. Canadian Infantry executed for desertion on 03/07/1917. Plot I. F. 20 Aix-Noulette Communal Cemetery Extension
• Private Crimmins, Herbert; 18/313. 18th Bn. West Yorkshire Regiment, executed for desertion 05/09/1916. Plot 5. F. 9 Vieille-Chapelle New Military Cemetery. (WO 71/495)
• Private Crozier, James; 14218. 9th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles, executed for desertion 27/02/1916, Plot I. A. 5. Sucrerie Cemetery, Colincamps. Mrs. Elizabeth Crozier, of 80, Battenberg Street, Belfast. (WO 71/450)
• Private Cummings, Thomas; 2222. 1st Bn. Irish Guards, executed for desertion 28/01/1915. Panel 4. Le Touret Memorial. Son of William Cummings, of Tully Muckamore, Belfast. (WO 71/395)
• Private Cunnington, Samuel H; 2nd Bn. Royal Warwickshire Regiment, executed for desertion 19/05/1917, Plot 1. C. 1. London Cemetery, Neuville-Vitasse. (WO 71/558)
• Private Cutmore, George Aitken; 13248. Blackwatch (Royal Highlanders) 2nd Bn. Executed for desertion 25/07/1917. Panel 25 and 63, Basra Memorial. Son of Mrs. A.F. Cutmore, of Chapel Farm, Colt, Eltham. Born 08/07/1894 Glasgow, father John (joiner JM) mother Lizzier nee Aitken - married Glasgow 25/10/1888(WO 71/633)

D

• Private Dagesse, Arthur Charles; 34453. Canadian Infantry, 22nd Bn. Executed 15/03/1918 for desertion. Grave VIII. B. 8. Lapugnoy Millitary Cemetery. Husband of Hettie Dagesse, of Thorold, Ontario. Native of Montreal.
• Private Dalande, Hector; S/9696. 8th Bn. Seaforth Highlanders, executed for desertion 09/03/1918. Plot II. D. 1. St. Nicolas British Cemetery. Husband of Jessie Henry (formerly Dalande), of 66, Big Vennel, Cromarty, Ross-shire. (WO 71/637)
• Private Davies, Richard M; 73372. 11th Bn. Sherwood Foresters, executed for desertion 15/11/1917. Wizernes Communal Cemetery. (WO 71/617)
• Private Degasse, A C; 34453. 22nd Battalion Canadian Infantry, executed for desertion 15/03/1918. Plot VIII. B. 8. Lapugnoy Military Cemetery
• Private Delargey, Edward; 335727 1st/8th Bn. Royal Scots, executed for desertion, 06/09/1917, aged 19. Plot IX. H. 19 Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery. Son of Mrs. Winnifred Delargy, of 42, Mount Pleasant, Leslie, Fife. Born 13/01/1897 Carnwath, father James (coal miner), mother Winifred nee Kelly - married 02/10/1885 Lasswade(WO 71/583)
• Private Delisle, Leopald; 62218. 22nd Bn. Canadian Infantry, executed for desertion 21/05/1918. Plot II. J. 6. Bellacourt Military Cemetery
• Private Dennis, John James; 6807. 1st Bn. Northamptonshire Regiment, executed for desertion 30/01/1916. Plot 4. E. 16. Lillers Communal Cemetery. (WO 71/440)
• Private Depper, Charles; 5715. 1st/4th Bn. Royal Berkshire Regiment, executed for desertion 13/09/1916, aged 30. Row G. 1. Beauval Communal Cemetery. Son of Charles Depper, of Rock Hill, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. (WO 71/501)
• Private Docherty, John; S/9672. 9th Bn. Black Watch, executed for desertion 15/02/1916. Grave 3. Mazingarbe Communal Cemetery & Extension. Born 01/08/1887 Edinburgh. Father Thomas (mason's lab), mother Margaret nee Carrigan married Edinburgh 03/03/1885) (WO 71/444)
• Private Docherty, Thomas; 11599. 2nd Bn. King's Own Scottish Borderers, executed for desertion,16/07/1915, Plot VI, E. 1. Perth Cemetery (China Wall) (WO 71/423)
• Rifleman Donovan, Thomas; 16th Bn. King's Royal Rifle Corps, executed for desertion 31/10/1917, aged 20. Plot II. D. 14. Westhof Farm Cemetery. (WO 71/614)
• Private Dossett, Walter; 45980. 1st/4th Bn. York and Lancaster Regiment, executed for desertion 25/06/1918, aged 22. Plot I. E. 7. Hagle Dump Cemetery, Belgium. Son of William and Lily Dossett, of Sheffield. (WO 71/650)
• Private Duncan/ a.k.a.Sinclair, John; 6584 1st Bn. Cameron Highlanders, executed for desertion 07/03/1915. Panel 41 and 42. Le Touret Memorial. Son of William Cummings, of Tully Muckamore, Belfast. (WO 71/405)
• Sub Lieutenant Dyett, Edwin Leopold Arthur (RNVR); Nelson Bn. Royal Naval Division, executed for desertion 05/01/1917. Le Crotoy Communal Cemetery. Welsh (ADM 156/24)

E

• Private Earl, William J; 41643. 1st/7th Bn. Lancashire Fusiliers, executed for desertion 27/05/1918. Plot 12. B. 10. Warlincourt Halte British Cemetery. (WO 71/647)
• Private Elford, Lawrence D; 21654. 7th/8th Bn. King's Own Scottish Borderers, executed for desertion 11/10/1918. Plot V. A. 19. Noeux-les-Mines Communal Cemetery Extension. (WO 71/671)
• Private Evans, Andrew; 1st Bn. Royal Scots Fusiliers, executed for desertion, 06/02/1915. Plot 1. A. 2. Loker (formerly Locre) Churchyard. (WO 71/397)
• Private Eveleigh, Alfred E; L/8107. 1st Bn. The Buffs (East Kent Regiment), executed for desertion 24/02/1916, aged 27. Plot III. L. 10. White House Cemetery, St.Jean-les-Ypres. (WO 71/593)

F

• Private Fairburn, E; 227098. 18th Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force, executed for desertion 02/03/1918. Plot 11. B. 23. Villers Station Cemetery.
• Private Fellows, Ernest; 9722. 3rd Bn. Worcestershire Regiment, executed for desertion, 26/07/1915, aged 29. Plot V. K. 13 Perth Cemetery (China Wall). Son of James and Emma Fellows, of 65, Moseley Rd., Birmingham; husband of Mary Annie Crosby (formerly Fellows), of 5 Court, 5 House, Dymoke St., Birmingham. (WO 71/426)
• Private Ferguson, Joseph; 10930. 1st Bn. Royal Scots Fusiliers, attached Royal Engineers, executed for desertion 20/04/1917. Plot I. C. 13. Wanquetin Communal Cemetery Extension. Born 1895-96 Mother Theresa in Dundee(WO 71/555)
• Private Flynn, Hugh; 5323. 18th Bn. Highland Light Infantry, executed for desertion on 15/11/1916. Plot VIII. G. 7. Habarcq Communal Cemetery Extension. Son of Mrs. Jane Todd, of 171, High St., Dumbarton. Born 26/06/1895 Renton, father James McIntosh (printfield worker), mother Jeannie nee McArthur - married Dumbarton 31/12/1878. (WO 71/519)
• Private Foulkes, Thomas; 43499. 1st/10th Bn. Manchester Regiment, executed for desertion on 21/11/1917, aged 21. Panel 103 Dud Corner Cemetery - Loos. (WO 71/623)
• Private Fowles, Stephen McD; 718566. 44th Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force, (New Brunswick Regiment) - executed for desertion 19/06/1918. Plot 13. B.1. Villers Station Cemetery
• Lance Corporal Fox, Joseph Stanley Victor; 8992. 1st Bn. Wiltshire Regiment executed for desertion 20/04/1915, aged 20. Son of Charles and Harriet Fox, of 45, The Causeway, Chippenham, Wilts. Plot D. 15. Dickebusch New Military Cemetery. (WO 71/408)
• Private Fraser, Evan; 11653. 2nd Bn. Royal Scots, executed for desertion 02/08/1915, aged 19. Commemorated on Special Memorial C. 8. Perth Cemetery (China Wall) Born 30/03/1896 Tyrie. Father Thomas (mason), m. Christian Ann nee Milne at Pitsligo 1889? (WO 71/427)

G

• Private Gawler, Robert W; L/10098. 1st Bn. The Buffs (East Kent Regiment), executed for desertion 24/02/1916, aged 29. Plot III. L. 9. White House Cemetery, St.Jean-les-Ypres. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Gawler, of 10, Staplegate Place, Canterbury. (WO 71/449)
• Private Gibson, David; 38332. "C" Coy. 12th Bn. Royal Scots, executed for desertion, 24/9/1918, aged 25. Plot X. E. 19. Mendinghem Military Cemetery. Son of John and Jane Gibson, of Bridgeton, Glasgow; husband of Agnes Gibson, of 3381, Gallowgate, Glasgow. (WO 71/668)
• Private Giles, Peter; 14th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers, shot for desertion on 24/08/1918. Plot 2. F. 6. Louez Military Cemetery. (WO 71/494)
• Sergeant Gleadow, George E; 43359. 1st Bn. West Yorkshire Regiment executed for desertion on 06/04/1917. Berlencourt (Le Cauroy) Communal Cemetery. (WO 71/553)
• Private Graham, James; 9948. Cork. 2nd Bn. Royal Munster Fusiliers executed for desertion 21/12/1915. Grave 42. Mazingarbe Communal Cemetery & Extension. (WO 71/438)

H

• Private Haddock, James A; 7595. 12th Bn. Yorks & Lancs Regiment, executed for desertion 16/09/1916. Plot 6. F. 5. Vieille-Chapelle New Military Cemetery. (WO 71/499)
• Private Hamilton/Blanchard, Arthur; 39213. Belfast. 14th Bn. Durham Light Infantry, executed for desertion 27/03/1917. Plot I. P. 17. Noeux-les-Mines Communal Cemetery. (WO 71/550)
• Private Hanna, George; 12609. Belfast. 1st Bn. Royal Irish Fusiliers, executed for desertion 06/11/1917, aged 26. Row E. 16. Neuville-Bourjonval British Cemetery . Son of Henry and Elizabeth Hanna. (WO 71/611)
• Rifleman Harding, Frederick; 11528. 1st Bn. King's Royal Rifle Corps, executed for desertion 29/06/1916, aged 21. Plot II. A. 6. Quatre-Vents Military Cemetery. (WO 71/479)
• Private Harris, Ernest Walter Jack; 23992. 10th Bn. Lancashire Fusiliers, executed for desertion 03/02/1917. Row Z. 11. Carnoy Military Cemetery. (WO 71/542)
• Private Harris, Louis; 43055. 10th Bn. West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own), executed 07/11/1918 for desertion, aged 23. Row B. 34. Ghissignies British Cemetery. Son of Abraham and Harriett Harris, of 41, Cooper St., Meanwood Rd., Leeds. Born in London. (WO 71/672)
• Private Harris, Thomas; L/10132. 1st Bn. Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment), executed for desertion, 21/06/1915, aged 21. Plot V. K. 14. Perth Cemetery (China Wall). (WO 71/419)
• Private Hart, Benjamin' Albert; 1763. 1st/4th Bn. Suffolk Regiment executed for desertion, 06/02/1917, aged 22. Plot I. C. 10. Suzanne Military Cemetery No.3. Son of Charles and Emma Hart, of 101, Fore St., Ipswich. (WO 71/537)
• Private Hartells, H H; "Bert" 8164 3rd Bn. Worcestershire Regiment, executed for desertion 26/07/1915, aged 32. Plot II. A. 6. Aeroplane Cemetery Ieper, Belgium. (WO 71/622)
• Private Hawkins, Thomas; 1533. 7th Bn. The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment), who was executed for desertion on 22/11/1917 . Plot II. B. 12. Bleuet Farm Cemetery, Belgium. (WO 71/622)
• Private Hendricks, Harry; 4519. 2nd Bn. Leinster Regiment, executed for desertion 23/08/1918, aged 46. age 46, from the U.S.A. but in an Irish Regiment. Plot III. C. 1. La Kreule Military Cemetery. (WO 71/661)
• Private Higgins, James; 2057. 1st/9th Bn. Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, executed for desertion 26/08/1916. Plot 1. F. 22. Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery Armentieres. Born 14/09/1893 Glasgow. Father Robert (butcher), mother Jessie nee Smith - (married 25/12/1890) (WO 71/493)
• Private Higgins, John Maurice; 177753. 1st Bn. Canadian Infantry, executed for desertion 07/12/1916, aged 24. Plot I. B. 2. Quatre-Vents Military Cemetery. Son of David and Emma Higgins, of 24, Gwynne Avenue, Toronto, Canada. Born at Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
• Private Highgate, Thomas James; L/10061. 1st Bn. Royal West Kent Regiment, executed for desertion 08/09/1914. La Ferte-sous-Jouarre Memorial (WO 71/387)
• Private Hogan (a.k.a. Murphy), Thomas; 17137. 2nd Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, executed for desertion on 15/05/1917. Plot I. G. 8. Ham British Cemetery. (WO 71/557)
• Private Holmes Albert; 18143. 8th Bn. King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment), executed for desertion 22/04/1918, aged 22. Plot III. C. 10. Chocques Military Cemetery. Husband of Bessie Holmes, of 51, Croydon St., Easton Road, Bristol. (WO 71/646)
• Private Holt, Ellis; 26685. 19th Bn. Manchester Regiment. executed for desertion 4th March 1917, aged 22. Berneville Communal Cemetery. (WO 71/548)
• Private Hope, Robert a.k.a. Heppel/Hepple); 23726. (Served as Hepple,) "D" Coy. 1st Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, executed for desertion 05/07/1917, aged 23. Husband of Mrs. Hope, of 9, Moehans Row, Waterside, Londonderry. Plot 3. G. 12. Ferme-Olivier Cemetery, Belgium. (WO 71/577)
• Private Hope, Thomas; 9689. 2nd Bn. Leinster Regiment, executed for desertion 02/03/1915. Panel 10. Ploegsteert Memorial. Son of Mrs B. Hope, of 5, Mill Road, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. (WO 71/401)
• Private Horler, Ernest; 46127. 12th Bn. West Yorkshire Regiment, executed for desertion 17/02/1918. Plot II. L. 14. Bucquoy Road Cemetery. (WO 71/677)
• Private Hughes, Frank; 2nd Bn. Canterbury Regiment, N. Z. E. F. executed for desertion 25/08/1916. Hallencourt Communal Cemetery
• Lance Corporal Hughes, George Edward; 11257. 7th Bn. King's Own (Royal Lancaster) Regiment, executed for desertion, 23/11/1916, plot VI. D. 18. Warloy-Baillon Communal Cemetery Extension. Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Hughes, of 8 Ernest Street, Great Ancoats, Manchester. (WO 71/521)
• Private Hughes, Henry J; 1st/5th Bn. Yorks and Lancs Regiment, executed for desertion 10/04/1918, Plot 15. D. 15. The Huts Cemetery. (WO 71/638)
• ✭ Labourer Hui, I He; Chinese Labour Corps. 112 Coy. Executed for Murder 12/09/1918. Les Baraques Military Cemetery. (WO 71/665)
• Private Hunt, William G; 1957. 18th Bn. Manchester Regiment, executed for desertion 14/11/1916. Row A. 7. Bailleulmont Communal Cemetery. (WO 71/516)
• Private Hunter, George; 2nd Bn. Durham Light Infantry, executed for desertion on 02/07/1916, plot 1. B. 1A. Esquelbecq Military Cemetery. (WO 71/480)
• Private Hunter, William; 1st Bn. Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, executed for desertion 21/02/1916, plot I. B. 38. Maroc British Cemetery. (WO 71/445)
• Rifleman Hyde, John J; R/27615. 10th Bn. King's Royal Rifle Corps, executed for desertion, 05/09/1917. Plot V. A. 29. Mendinghem Military Cemetery. Son of Mr. W. Hyde, of 35, Ridgdale St., Bow, London. (WO 71/587)

I

• Private Ingham, Albert; 18th Bn. Manchester Regiment, executed for desertion 01/12/1916. Row B. 12. Bailleulmont Communal Cemetery. (According to Ward & Gibson (p 81), the Commission engraved on the headstone, at the insistence of the deceased’s father, the words: Shot At Dawn. One of the First to Enlist. He had apparently been caught in civilian clothes on board a Swedish ship about to sail from Dieppe. Official records have: ‘Died of wounds’, while his Death Certificate states: ‘Shot by sentence of FGCM for “Desertion” ‘. Source: Babington, pp 120-1. Image (WO 71/526)
• Rifleman Irish/ a.k.a. Lee, Arthur James; S/9560. 2nd Bn. Rifle Brigade, executed for desertion 03/10/1915. Plot 1. E. 86. Sailly-sur-la-Lys Canadian Cemetery. (WO 71/434)
• Lance Corporal Irvine, William John; 2710. 1st Bn. King's Own (Royal Lancaster) Regiment, executed for desertion 20/04/1915. Plot 3. H. 19. Le Grand Beaumart British Cemetery. (WO 71/411)
• Corporal Ives, Frederick; 12295. 3rd Bn. Worcestershire Regiment, executed for desertion, 22/07/1915, aged 31. Plot I. G. 41. Perth Cemetery (China Wall). (WO 71/428)

J

• Private Jackson, Ernest; G/46730. 24th Bn. Royal Fusiliers, executed for desertion, 07/11/1918, aged 32. Plot IV. C. 20. Romeries Communal Cemetery Extension. (WO 71/673)
• Private Jeffries, Alfred Leonard; 9970. 6th Bn. Somerset Light Infantry, executed for desertion on 01/11/1916. Son of Leonard and Georgina Jefferies, of 33, Edward Street, St. Philip's, Bristol. His brother, Arthur Thomas, also fell. Plot III. O. 1. Arras Road Cemetery. (WO 71/515)
• Private Jennings, John; 8037. 2nd Bn. South Lancashire Regiment, executed for desertion 26/06/1916, Plot 1. D. 85. Norfolk Cemetery. (WO 71/477)
• Private Johnson, Frederick/ a.k.a.Charlton, J; 20035. 2nd Bn. Border Regiment executed for desertion on 01/08/1918. City of Paris Cemetery, Bagneux. (WO 71/657)
• Private Jones, John T; 9840. 1st Bn. Northamptonshire Regiment, executed for desertion 24/02/1916. Grave 104. Mazingarbe Communal Cemetery & Extension. (WO 71/447)
• Private Jones, Richard M; 10764. south Lancashire Regiment, 6th Bn. Executed 21.02.1917 for desertion, aged 40. Panel 23. Basra memorial. Husband of Alice Jones, of 78, Oxford Street, Widnes, Lancs. (WO 71/630)
• Private Jones, William; 9th Bn. Royal Welsh Fusiliers, executed for desertion 25/10/1917, plot I. C. 4. Locre Hospice Cemetery. Welsh (WO 71/608)
• Gunner Jones/Fox, William; 62971. 43rd Bty, Royal Field Artillery, executed for desertion 20/04/1915. Row E. 1. La Chapelle D'Armentieres Communal Cemetery. (WO 71/409)

K

• Private Kerr, Henry H; 457241. 7th Bn. Canadian Infantry, executed for desertion 21/11/1916. Plot III. A. 9. Quatre-Vents Military Cemetery
• Private Kershaw, James; 8136. 1st Bn. King's Own (Royal Lancaster) Regiment, executed for desertion, 26/04/1915. Plot 3. H. 20. Le Grand Beaumart British Cemetery. (WO 71/410)
• ✭ Private King, John; 6/1598 1st Bn. Canterbury Regiment (New Zealand), executed for desertion 19/08/1917. Aged 32. Plot I. Z. 23.Trois Arbres Cemetery, Steenwerck.
• Private Kirk, Ernest; 7981. 1st Bn. West Yorkshire Regiment, executed for desertion 06/03/1915. Row B. 9. Chapelle-d'Armentieres Old Military Cemetery. (WO 71/403)
• Private Kirman, Charles Henry; 7423. 7th Bn. Lincolnshire Regiment, executed for desertion 23/09/1917, aged 32. Row F. 1. Ste. Catherine British Cemetery. Husband of D. L. Kirman, of 10, Radnor St., Southsea, Portsmouth. (WO 71/604)
• Private Knight, Henry (Harry) James; 6565. 1st Bn. The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment,) executed for desertion 06/10/1918, Son of Mrs. Ellen Elizabeth Knight, of 2, Lower Addiscombe Road, West Croydon, Surrey. Plot VI. E. 20. Fins New British Cemetery. (WO 71/670)

L

• Private La Lancette, Joseph; 672604. 672604 Private J. La Lancette, 22nd Bn. Canadian Infantry, executed for desertion 03/07/1917. Plot I. F. 21. Aix-Noulette Communal Cemetery Extension.
• Driver Lamb, Alexander; 21st Battery, 2nd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, executed for desertion, 02/10/1915. Plot II. E. 12. Vlamertinghe Military Cemetery. (WO 71/435)
• Corporal Latham, George W; 2267. Lancashire Fusiliers 2nd Bn. Executed for desertion 22/01/1915. Aged 23. Grave II F 17 Trois Arbres Cemetery, Steenwerck, (WO 71/393)
• Private Lawrence, Ernest A; 20279. 2nd Bn. Devonshire Regiment, executed for desertion 22/11/1917, aged 21. Plot I. I. 45 Ypres Reservoir Cemetery. Son of John Lawrence, of 101, Clifton Rd., South Norwood, London. (WO 71/634)
• Corporal Lewis, Charles; B/21000. 12th Bn. Highland Light Infantry, executed for desertion 11/03/1916. Grave 98. Mazingarbe Communal Cemetery & Extension. (WO 71/452)
• Private Lewis, Griffiths; 549. 2nd Bn. South Lancashire Regiment, executed for desertion 26/06/1916. Plot 1. D. 86. Norfolk Cemetery. (WO 71/478)
• Private Lewis, John; 5th Bn. Dorset Regiment, executed for desertion on 19/04/1917. Plot 3. F. 2. Forceville Communal Cemetery and Extension. (WO 71/539)
• Private Ling, Wilson Norman; 454610. 2nd Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force, executed for desertion on 12/08/1918, aged 22. Plot II. N. 20. Cerissy-Gailly Military Cemetery. Son of Albert E. and Fanny Ling, of 1125, Dovercourt Rd., Toronto, Ontario.
• Private Loader, Frederick; 683458. 1st/22nd Bn. London Regiment, executed for desertion 19/08/1917, Plot III. B. 14. Reninghelst New Military Cemetery.(WO 71/578)
• Private Lodge, H E J; 2095. 19th Bn. Canadian Infantry, executed for desertion 13/03/1918. Plot IV. B. 5. Noeux-les-Mines Communal Cemetery.
• Private Longshaw, Alfred; 10502. 18th Bn. Manchester Regiment, executed for desertion 01/12/1916. Row B. 13. Bailleulmont Communal Cemetery. (WO 71/525)

M

• Private Mackness, Ernest; 11225. 1st Bn. Cameronians executed for desertion on 01/10/1917. Grave location north side. Blaringhem Churchyard. Son of Arthur and Louisa Mackness, of 3, Dundonald Rd., Leicester. Born 1892 Leicester. Father Arthur, mother Louisa of leicester(WO 71/598)
• Sapper Malyon, Frederick; 13224. 12th Field Company Royal Engineers, attached Royal Field Artillery, executed for desertion 04/04/1917. Plot I. P. 18. Noeux-les-Mines Communal Cemetery. (WO 71/551)
• Private Martin, Harry; 21161. 9th Bn. Essex Regiment, executed for desertion 20/03/1916. Row, B. 3. Labourse Communal Cemetery. (WO 71/455)
• Private Mayers, James; 492050. 1st/13th Kensington Bn. Royal Fusiliers, 16/06/1917. Row C. 11. Achicourt Road Cemetery. Executed for desertion. Son of Mrs. M. E. Mayers, of 193, Morning Lane, Hackney, London. (WO 71/564)
• Rifleman McBride, Samuel; 2nd Bn. Royal Irish Rifles, executed for desertion on 07/12/1916. Row A. 17. Hyde Park Corner (Royal Berks) Cemetery. (WO 71/529)
• Private McClair, Harry/ a.k.a.Rowland; 20037. 2nd Bn. Border Regiment executed for desertion on 01/08/1918. City of Paris Cemetery, Bagneux. (WO 71/657)
• Private McColl, Charles F; 11/81. 1st/4th Bn. East Yorkshire Regiment, executed for desertion 28/12/1917, aged 26. Plot IV. A. 6. Ypres Reservoir Cemetery. Son of Mrs. Annie McColl, of 6, Bramham Avenue, Woodhouse Street, Hull. (WO 71/628)
• Rifleman McCracken, J E; 15/13211. 15th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles, executed for desertion 19/03/1916, aged 19. Mailly-Maillet Communal Cemetery Extension. Son of John McCracken. Row C. 21. (WO 71/453)
• Private McFarlane John; 265427. 4th Bn. King's Liverpool Regiment, executed for desertion 22/05/1918, aged 27. Plot XI. A. 2. Nine Elms British Cemetery. Son of William and Margaret McFarlane, of 14, Gerard Street, Byrom Street, Liverpool. (WO 71/644)
• Private McQuade, John; 5626. 18th Bn. Highland Light Infantry, executed for desertion on 06/11/1916. Plot VIII. J. 7. Habarcq Communal Cemetery Extension. (WO 71/518)
• Private Milburn, John B; 45688. 24th/27th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers, executed for desertion 08/11/1917. Plot II. C. 8. Bucquoy Road Cemetery. (WO 71/612)
• Private Milligan, Charles Myat; 43619. 10th Bn. Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), executed for desertion 03/06/1917, aged 20. Plot 19. A. 14. Canadian Cemetery No.2 France. Born 05/02/1897, Glasgow father Samuel (railway banksman) mother Elizabeth nee Myat - married at Calton dist., Glasgow 29/12/1882. (WO 71/560)
• Private Mills, George; 18603. 2nd Bn. Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, executed for desertion 29/09/1915. Plot VIII. B. 81. Boulogne Eastern Cemetery. (WO 71/436)
• Private Mitchell, Arthur; 240678. 1st/6th Bn. Lancashire Fusiliers executed for desertion, 20/08/1917. Husband of Minnie Mitchell, of Brierley's Cottages, Thames St., Clay Cross, Derbyshire. Plot IV. R. 3. Achiet-le-Grand Communal Cemetery Extension. (WO 71/580)
• Private Mitchell, Leonard; 31184. 8th Bn. Yorks and Lancs Regiment, executed for desertion 19/09/1917, Plot III. A. 2. La Clytte Military Cemetery. Son of George H. Mitchell, of 74, Rawmarsh Rd., Rotherham, Yorks. His brother, William Henry also died on service. (WO 71/590)
• Private Moles, Thomas Lionel; 443288. Private Thomas Lionel Moles, 54th Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force, executed for desertion 22/10/1917, aged 28. Plot I. H. 76. Ypres Reservoir Cemetery. Son of Louisa Mudford (formerly Moles), of West Chinnock, Crewkerne, Somerset, England, and the late John Moles. Native of Brompton Ralph.
• Private Molyneaux, James; 1st Bn. Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, executed for desertion 15/06/1916, plot I. H. 6. Maroc British Cemetery. (WO 71/476)
• Lance Corporal Moon, William Alfred; 17790. 11th Bn. Cheshire Regiment, executed for desertion on 21/11/1916, Plot III. A. 219. Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension. (WO 71/520)
• Private Murphey, William; 251482. 1st/5th Bn. Royal Scots, executed for desertion, 07/02/1917. Plot 2. A. 19. Bertrancourt Millitary Cemetery. (WO 71/541)
• Private Murphy, Allan/Allen; 12182. 9th Bn. Cameronians, (Scottish Rifles) executed for desertion 17/08/1916 Plot II. A. 9. Quatre-Vents Military Cemetery (WO 71/491)
• Private Murphy, Patrick; Dublin. 47th Bn. Machine Gun Corps, executed for desertion 12/09/1918, plot 4. E. 5. Sandpits British Cemetery (WO 71/667)
• Driver Murray, Robert; 96498. 81st Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, executed for desertion 03/02/1917. Row Z. 10 Carnoy Military Cemetery. (WO 71/545)

N

• Private Neave, Walter; 19445. 10th Bn. West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own), executed for desertion 30/08/1917. Row E. 33. Ste. Catherine British Cemetery. (WO 71/584)
• Private Nelson, William (Billy) Barry; 14387. - 14th Bn. Durham Light Infantry, executed for desertion on 11/08/1916, aged 22 and is buried in plot I. B. 18. Acheux British Cemetery. (WO 71/4889)
• Private Nicholson, Charles Bain; 32559. 19 - executed for desertion 27/10/1917 Middlesborough - 8th Yorkshire and Lancaster Regiment. Twin brother John killed 1917. Plot IV. E. 66. Longuenesse (St. Omer) Souvenir Cemetery. (WO 71/619)
• Private Nisbet (Nesbit), Joseph; 11682. 1st Bn. Leicestershire Regiment, executed for desertion 23/08/1918. Plot XV. C. 21. Nine Elms British Cemetery. (WO 71/663)

O

• Private O'Connell, Benjamin; Wexford. 1st Bn. Irish Guards, executed for desertion 08/08/1918. Row C. 7. Bailleulmont Communal Cemetery. (WO 71/659)
• Private O'Neill (or O'Neil), Anthony; 1/15134. South Wales Borderers 1st Bn. Executed 30/04/1916 for desertion. Grave I.A. 12. Mazingarbe Communal Cemetery Extension. Son of James Daniel and Sarah Ann O'Neil, of 20, Castle Street, Neath. Welsh (WO 71/462)
• Private O'Neill, Frank; 13612. 1st Bn. Sherwood Foresters, executed for desertion on 16/05/1918 - plot III. G. 6. Hermonville Military Cemetery. (WO 71/639)
• ✭ Sapper Oyns, Arthur Philip 94236. 50th Search Light Company, Royal Engineers, Executed 20/10/1917 for desertion, aged 31. Born at Devonport. Son of the late Richard Philip Oyns (H.M. Customs) and Julia Isabel Oyns. Plot IV. G. 24. - Murder. Coxyde Military Cemetery. (WO 71/603)

P

• Private Palmer, Henry; 3057. 1st/5th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers, executed for desertion on 27/10/1916. Plot I. P. 65. Albert Communal Cemetery Extension. Son of Mrs. Phyllis Palmer, of 171, Station Road, Wallsend. (WO 71/512)
• Rifleman Parker, Albert Edward; A/1579. 7th Bn. King's Royal Rifle Corps. executed for desertion 15/05/1916. Warlus Communal Cemetery. (WO 71/467)
• Private Parry, Albert; 42467. 2nd Bn. West Yorkshire Regiment, (Prince of Wales's Own) executed for desertion 30/08/1917. Row K. 4. Maple Leaf Cemetery. Husband of Alice Maude Parry, of 11, Empringham Terrace, Dalby Street, Hull. (WO 71/585)
• ✭ Second Lieutenant Paterson, John H; 3rd Bn. Essex Regiment, attached 1st Bn. Executed for murder 24/09/1918. Plot IV. B. 48.Terlincthun British Cemetery. Deserter - executed for the murder of Sgt. Harold Collison, the military policeman who tried to arrest him. (Ref. PRO WO 339/111890). (WO 71/1028)
• Private Pattison, Robert Gills; 10474. 7th Bn. East Surrey Regiment was executed on 04/07/1917, aged 23 for desertion. Son of John and Mary Ann Pattison, of 49A, Station Terrace, Cramlington, Northumberland. Born at Annitsford, Northumberland. Plot IV. J. 16. (Cemetery) Faubourg d'Amiens Cemetery, Arras. (WO 71/567)
• Private Penn, A or Major; 10958. 1st Bn. Royal Welch Fusiliers, executed for desertion 22/04/1915. Plot III. D. 6. (Joint grave) Estaires Communal Cemetery. Welsh (WO 71/414)
• Private Perry, Eugene; 416008. 22nd Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force, executed for desertion on 11/04/1917, aged 21. Plot VI. C. 7. Ecoivres Military Cemetery, Mont-St. Eloi.
• Private Phillips, H T W; 9197. 1st Bn. Coldstream Guards, executed for desertion 30/05/1916, grave in NW part of cemetery. Wormhoudt Communal Cemetery. (WO 71/471)
• Private Phillips, Louis R; 10315. 6th Bn. Somerset Light Infantry, executed for desertion, 19/08/1915, aged 23. Plot VI. K. 1. Perth Cemetery (China Wall). (WO 71/430)
• Private Pitts, Albert Henry; 8747. 2nd Bn. Royal Warwickshire Regiment, executed for desertion 08/02/1915. Panel 2 and 3. Ploegsteert Memorial. Husband of Mrs. A.L. Pitts, of 44, King Road, Bengeworth, Evesham. (WO 71/398)

R

• Private Randle, William Henry; 10th Bn. Sherwood Foresters. Executed 25th Nov. 1916. Near north-west corner of cemetery, both these soldiers were executed for desertion Cavillon Communal Cemetery. (WO 71/523)
• ✭ Private Reid, Alexander; 12384. 16th Bn. Highland Light Infantry, executed for desertion, 31/01/1917, aged 30. Plot 2. A. 17. Bertrancourt Military Cemetery.
• Private Reid, Isaac; 8752. 2nd Bn. Scots Guards, executed for desertion 09/04/1915. Plot III. B. 26. Longuenesse (St. Omer) Souvenir Cemetery. (WO 71/407)
• Corporal Reid, James; 7674. 6th Bn. Cameron Highlanders, executed for desertion 11/05/1918, aged 26. Plot V. G. 46. Duisans British Cemetery. (WO 71/642)
• Private Reynolds, E J; 404436. 3rd Bn. Canadian Infantry, executed for desertion 23/08/1916. Plot IV. A. 39. Longuenesse (St. Omer) Souvenir Cemetery.
• Private Richmond, Malcolm R; 285031. 1st/6th Bn. Gordon Highlanders, executed for desertion on 26/05/1918, aged 22. Plot V. L. 8. Ecoivres Military Cemetery, Mont-St. Eloi. (WO 71/643)
• Private Rickman, Albert; 12923. 1st Bn. Royal Dublin Fusiliers, executed for desertion 15/09/1916, aged 27 from Naas. Plot IV. D. 7. Vlamertinghe Military Cemetery. Son of Charles and Anne Rickman, of 4, Carrington Terrace, Milford-on-Sea, Hants. (WO 71/498)
• Private Rigby, Thomas Henry Basil (Harry); 11490. 10th Bn. South Wales Borderers, executed for desertion 22/11/1917. Plot 2. A. 3. Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery Armentieres. Welsh (WO 71/618)
• Private Roberts, John William; 107526. 2nd Bn. Canadian Mounted Rifles, executed for desertion 30/07/1916. Plot VIII. A. 154. Boulogne Eastern Cemetery
• Private Roberts, William W (Ted); 2408. 4th Bn. Royal Fusiliers, executed for desertion on 29/05/1916, Plot II. B. 110. Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension. (WO 71/472)
• Private Robinson, Arthur Harold; 15469. 9th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers, executed for desertion 10/05/1916. Plot 1. A. 18. Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery Armentieres. (WO 71/475)
• Private Robinson, John; 7377 3rd Bn. Worcestershire Regiment, executed for desertion 26/07/1915, aged 31. Plot II. A. 7. Aeroplane Cemetery Ieper, Belgium. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Robinson, of No. 1 Back, 120, Long Acre, Nechells, Birmingham. (WO 71/5425)
• Private Robinson, William; 70715. 1st Bn. Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment), executed for desertion 10/04/1917. Plot III. B. 22. Péronne Communal Cemetery Extension. Son of Joseph Robinson, of 3, Church Alley, Chesterfield, Derbys. (WO 71/552)
• Private Roe, George Ernest; 3/1433. 2nd Bn. King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, executed for desertion, 11/06/1915, aged 19. Plot VI. K. 20. Perth Cemetery (China Wall). Son of Mrs. Mary Roe, of 24, Brough Street, Sheffield, Yorks. (WO 71/417)
• Private Rogers, John; 26028. 2nd Bn. South Lancashire Regiment, executed for desertion on 09/03/1917, plot III. A. 3. Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension. (WO 71/549)
• Drummer Rose, Frederick; 9552. 2nd Bn. Yorkshire Regiment executed for desertion 4th March 1917, aged 23. Berneville Communal Cemetery. (WO 71/547)

S

• Private Salter, Harry; 16734. East Lancashire regiment, 6th Bn. executed for desertion 11/12/1915. Age 24. Plot 1. G. 26n Green Hill Cemetery. Son of the late Daniel and Charlotte Salter, of Bridgwater, Somerset. Page 277/8 Blindfold and Alone (WO 71/439)
• Lance Corporal Sands, Peter; 8225. Lance Corporal Peter Sands, 1st Bn. Royal Irish Rifles, executed for desertion 15/09/1915. Special memorial - Fleurbaix Chyd. 41, originally buried in Fleurbaix Churchyard, his grave is now lost. Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, Husband of Elizabeth Sands, of 74, Abyssinia St., Belfast. (WO 71/432)
• Private Scholes William; 44174. 2nd Bn. South Wales Borderers, executed for desertion 10/08/1918. Plot 2. G. 11. Borre British Cemetery. Welsh (WO 71/656)
• Private Scotton, William. 6922. 4th Bn. Middlesex Regiment, executed for desertion 03/02/1915, aged 19. Panel 49 and 51. Menin Gate Memorial. Son of Mrs. Catherine Scotton, of 52, Gladstone Road, Walton, Liverpool. His brother, Albert also fell. (WO 71/396)
• Private Seymour, John; 2nd Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, executed for desertion on 24/01/1918, Plot III. F. 10. Duhallow Advanced Dressing Station Cemetery. (WO 71/6790)
• Private Sheffield, F; 14164. 2nd Bn. Middlesex Regiment, executed for desertion 12/01/1915, aged 26. Panels 31 and 32. Le Touret Memorial. Brother of James Sheffield, of 42, Franklin St., South Tottenham, London. Brother of James Sheffield, of 42, Franklin St., South Tottenham, London. (WO 71/391)
• Private Simmes/Sims/Simmers, Robert W; 2nd Bn. Royal Scots, executed for desertion 19/05/1918, aged 25. Plot III. A. 19. Chocques Military Cemetery. (WO 71/645)
• Private Simmonds, William Henry; G/11296. 23rd Bn. Middlesex Regiment, 01/12/1916, Plot II. E. 9 (D) Poperinghe New Military Cemetery. Executed 01/12/1916 for desertion, aged 23. Son of William and Emily Simmonds, of 18, Sidney Terrace, Bedfont Lane, Feltham, Middlesex. (WO 71/522)
• Private Skilton, Charles Walter F; SR/9629. 22nd Bn. Royal Fusiliers, executed for desertion 26/12/1916 age 20. Son of Mrs. Edith Skilton, of 24, Shirley Gardens, Hanwell. Thiepval Memorial to the Missing. (WO 71/531)
• Private Sloane, J; 3563. 1st /4th King's Own (Royal Lancaster) Regiment executed for desertion on 16/07/1916. Grave location 2/A/11. Barly French Military Cemetery. (WO 71/482)
• Private Smith, James; 52929. King's (Liverpool Regiment) 17th, Bn. Executed for desertion on 05/09/1917 aged 26. Grave Row M. 25 Kemmel Chateau Military Cemetery. Son of James William and Elizabeth Smith, of 52, Noble St., Bolton. (WO 71/588)
• Private Smith, John; 2506 1st Bn. Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, executed for desertion 02/07/1916, plot 2. A. 9. Bully-Grenay Communal Cemetery, French Extension. (WO 71/481)
• Rifleman Smith, W; S/9405. 2nd Bn. Rifle Brigade, executed for desertion 03/10/1915. Age 37. Plot 1. E. 87 Sailly-sur-la-Lys Canadian Cemetery. (WO 71/434)
• Private Smith, William; 204455. 3rd/5th Bn. Lancashire Fusiliers, executed for desertion 14/11/1917, aged 20. Plot IV. B. 28. Reninghelst New Military Cemetery. Son of Robert and Ada Smith, of 16, Lord St., Pendleton, Manchester. (WO 71/624)
• Private Smythe, Albert; 3379. 1st Bn. Irish Guards, executed for desertion 28/01/1915. Panel 4. Le Touret Memorial. (WO 71/394)
• Driver Spencer, James; 71502. 65th Battery, 8th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, executed for desertion 29/09/1915. Row B. 2. Cote 80 National Cemetery. (WO 71/433)
• Private Spencer Victor Manson; 1st Bn. (Otago) New Zealand Regiment, executed for desertion 24/02/1918, Plot 15. B. 10. The Huts Cemetery
• Private Spry, William Thomas; 2nd Bn. Royal Fusiliers, executed for desertion 14/06/1918, plot 1. G. 19. Morbecque British Cemetery. (WO 71/648)
• Private Stead, Frederick; 3/10390. 2nd Bn. Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment), executed for desertion, 12/02/1917, aged 20. Plot II. C. 1. Suzanne Military Cemetery No.3. (WO 71/546)
• Private Stedman, Joseph; 88378. Machine Gun Corps, Executed on 05/09/1917 for desertion, age 25. Plot II. F. 41. (D) Poperinghe New Military Cemetery. Son of Henry Patrick and Sarah Stedman, of Liverpool. (WO 71/589)
• Private Stevenson, David; G/52128.13th Bn. Middlesex Regiment, executed for desertion 18/07/1918, Age: 23. Plot 5. G. 1. Bully-Grenay Communal Cemetery, French Extension. Born 1896, Liverpool - mother Sarah of Kilmarnock (WO 71/652)
• Private Stewart, Stanley; 6730. 2nd Bn. Royal Scots Fusiliers, executed for desertion 29/08/1917, aged 21. Row G. 66. Kemmel Chateau Military Cemetery. Son of Mrs. Sarah Stewart, of 12, Bentick St., Kilmarnock. Born at Liverpool. (WO 71/579)
• Private Swain, John; 39463. 5th Bn. Royal Berkshire Regiment, executed for desertion 11/08/1918, row A. 21. (Ext) Montigny Communal Cemetery (Somme). (WO 71/662)
• Driver Swaine, James W; 54th Battery, 39th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, executed for desertion 09/06/1916, row B. 6. Bully-Grenay Communal Cemetery. (WO 71/474)
• Trooper/Private Sweeney, John Joseph; 1st Bn. Otago Regiment (N. Z. E. F), executed for desertion 02/10/1916. In a New Zealand regiment. Irish/Australian.Plot II. B. 1. Dartmoor Cemetery, Becordel-Becourt.

T

• Private Tanner, Edward; 59198. 1st Bn. Wiltshire Regiment, executed for desertion 27/10/1914, aged 33. Panel 33 and 34. Le Touret Memorial. (WO 71/389)
• Private Taylor John; 27555. 15th Bn. Lancashire Fusiliers, executed for desertion, 27/01/1917. Plot 2. A. 15. Bertrancourt Military Cemetery. Husband of Gertrude Taylor, of 24, Mount St., Hulme, Manchester. (WO 71/610)
• Private Taylor, John; 8793. 2nd Bn. South Staffordshire Regiment, executed for desertion 06/11/1917. Plot VII. A. 11. Lapugnoy Military Cemetery. (WO 71/533)
• Private Taysum, Norman Henry; S/15954. 9th Bn. The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) executed for desertion 16/10/1917, aged 25. Plot II. C. 16. St. Nicolas British Cemetery. Son of Henry Alfred and Mary Ann Taysum, of 25, Rosyth Old Village, nr. Edinburgh. (WO 71/602)
• Rifleman Templeton, James; 15/890. 15th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles, executed for desertion 19/03/1916. Mailly-Maillet Communal Cemetery Extension. Son of Mr. Templeton, of 12, Enfield St., Belfast. Row C. 20. (WO 71/454)
• Private Thomas, John; 12727. Welsh Regiment, 2nd Bn. Executed 20/05/1916 for desertion aged 44. I.D. 20 Mazingarbe Communal Cemetery Extension, Maxingarbe. Welsh (WO 71/468)
• Private Thompson, Alfred Dennis; 7625 3rd Bn. Worcestershire Regiment, executed for desertion 26/07/1915, aged 25. Plot II. A. 8. Aeroplane Cemetery Ieper, Belgium. Son of Mrs. Martha Thompson, of 2 Bk, 24 Florence St., Holloway Head, Birmingham. (WO 71/425)
• Private Thompson, William Landreth; G/7547. 6th Bn. The Buffs (East Kent Regiment), executed for desertion 22/04/1916. Row B. 4. Labourse Communal Cemetery. (WO 71/460-)
• Private Tongue, James (Joseph); 11850. 1st Bn. King's (Liverpool Regiment), executed for desertion 08/01/1917, N.E. Corner. Agenvillers Churchyard, France. (WO 71/536)
• Private Troughton, A; 10853. 1st Bn. Royal Welch Fusiliers, executed for desertion 22/04/1915, aged 22. Estaires Communal Cemetery. Son of Nathaniel Troughton, of 14, Ash Grove, Stoney Station Rd., Coventry. Plot III. D. 6. (Joint grave). Welsh (WO 71/413)
• Private Turner, Frederick; 266120; 6th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers, executed for desertion 23/10/17, aged 31. Enclosure No.4. Plot IV. A. 18. Bedford House Cemetery, Belgium. Son of William and Mary Turner, of 62, First St., Bensham, Gateshead. (WO 71/606)
• Private Turpie, William J; 7171. 2nd Bn. East Surrey Regiment, executed for desertion 01/07/1915, aged 24. Plot II. C. 24. White House Cemetery, St.Jean-les-Ypres. (WO 71/421)

W

• Lance Sergeant Walton, William; 7552. 2nd Bn. King's Royal Rifle Corps, executed for desertion 23/03/1915. Plot I. A. 68 Longuenesse (St. Omer) Souvenir Cemetery. (WO 71/406)
• Private Ward, Thomas; S/15240. 8th/10th Bn. Gordon Highlanders, executed for desertion 16/10/1917, aged 23. Plot II. C. 17. St. Nicolas British Cemetery. Son of Mrs. Ward, of 31, Society St., Glasgow; husband of Fanny Watt (formerly Ward). Born 1892/3 father Daniel (cab driver 1911) , mother Mary nee Hughes of Glasgow. (WO 71/601)
• Private Watkins, George; 8139. 13th Bn. Welsh Regiment, executed for desertion 15/05/1917, Plot 3. C. 12. Ferme-Olivier Cemetery, Belgium Welsh (WO 71/559)
• Private Watts, Thomas W; 14813. 7th Bn. East Yorkshire Regiment, executed for desertion 30/08/1917, aged 21. Row E. 32. Ste. Catherine British Cemetery Son of Robert Watts, of 135, Lewis St., Middle Rainton, Co. Durham. Native of Houghton-le-Spring, Co. Durham. (WO 71/581)
• Private Watts, William; 1st Bn Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, executed for desertion 05/05/1916, plot I. H. 39. Maroc British Cemetery. (WO 71/463)
• Private Webb, Henry J; 11046. 2nd Bn. King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, executed for desertion 31/10/1917 Lederzeele Churchyard. (WO 71/615)
• Private Welsh, C; A/38119. Canadian Infantry, 8th Bn. Executed 06/03/1918 for desertion. III. B. 12. Mazingarbe Communal Cemetery Extension.
• Private Westwood, Arthur H; 11661. 8th Bn. East Surrey Regiment, he was executed for desertion on 23/11/1917, aged 20. Son of William and Ellen Westwood, of 27A, Leagrave Rd., Fulham, London. Plot II. B. 13. Bleuet Farm Cemetery. (WO 71/625)
• Private Wild, Arthur; 18/356. 18th Bn. West Yorkshire Regiment, executed for desertion 05/09/1916. Plot 5. F. 6. Vieille-Chapelle New Military Cemetery. (WO 71/496)
• Private Williams, Harry; 393923. 1/9th Bn. Royal Fusiliers (Queen Victoria's Rifles), executed for desertion 28/12/1917. Plot II. F. 4. Roclincourt Military Cemetery Son of Mrs. Isabella Hitchcock, of 122, Colville Road, Acton, London. (WO 71/627)
• Private Wishard (or Wishart), J; Omagh. 7th Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, executed for desertion 15/06/1917. Special memorial - Merris Chyd. 51, originally buried in Merris Churchyard, his grave is now lost. Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery. (WO 71/563)
• Rifleman Woodhouse, John; R/15325. 12th King's Royal Rifle Corps, executed for desertion on 04/10/1917. Plot VIII. C. 23. H.A.C Cemetery. Husband of Amy Woodhouse, of 30, Wellington St., Winson Green, Birmingham. (WO 71/597)
• Private Worsley, Ernest; 2nd Bn. Middlesex Regiment, executed for desertion 22/10/1917. Plot 1. F. 3. Pont-d'Achelles Military Cemetery. (WO 71/605)
• Private Wright, Frederick; 6778. 1st Bn. Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment), executed for desertion, 28/01/1917. Plot I. C. 7. Suzanne Military Cemetery No.3. Mrs. Ellen Wright, of 249, East Street, Old Kent Road, London. (WO 71/544)
• Private Wycherley, William; 2064. 2nd Bn. Manchester Regiment, 12/09/17, aged 24. Husband of May Wycherley, of 18, Queen St., Cheetham Hill, Manchester.Plot III . G. 6. - Desertion. Coxyde Military Cemetery, Belgium. (WO 71/591)

Y

• Rifleman Yeoman, Walter; 474371. 1st/12th Bn. London Regiment (The Rangers), Executed for desertion 03/07/1917, aged 22. Row B. 16. Achicourt Road Cemetery.(WO 71/566)
• Private Young, Elsworth; 25th Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force, executed for desertion 29/10/1916, plot 2. B. 14. Bully-Grenay Communal Cemetery, French Extension.

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