Yes, put on trial for
Cowardice
Desertion
Lack of Character
Military Crime
Some men suffering from shell shock were put on trial, and even executed, for military crimes including desertion and cowardice. While it was recognized that the stresses of war could cause men to break down, a lasting episode was likely to be seen as symptomatic of an underlying lack of character.
Although execution happened to a small population, in the hundreds, it makes me wonder how many more were reported as death by friendly fire or simply a casualty of war.
Some pretended to suffer from shell shock for the intent to be discharged. Doctors were hired by the British Military for evaluation of possible malingering. If found guilty of such shall, on conviction by court-martial, be liable to imprisonment.
No comments:
Post a Comment