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General => Armed Forces => World War Two => Topic started by: Chester-Rod on Saturday 17 October 15 16:29 BST (UK)

Title: Dad's Court Martial
Post by: Chester-Rod on Saturday 17 October 15 16:29 BST (UK)
My Dad was subjected to a court martial during WW2 because he accidentally bent his bayonet (when alighting from a troop-carrying truck his bayonet hanging from his waist caught in the gap between the lorry and the tailgate).  I was surprised that as it was accidental it went as far as a court martial.  Fortunately, the Quartermaster Sergeant spoke up for my Dad and said he could straighten the bayonet (which he subsequently did) so the case was dismissed.

Can anyone tell me which of the King's Regulations would have applied? 
Title: Re: Dad's Court Martial
Post by: ScouseBoy on Saturday 17 October 15 20:33 BST (UK)
The description of the offence  could be something like "negligent and reckless handling of personal weapon"    or  "reckless disregard and carelessness with Army weapons"
Or  Wilful damage?
but do not know KR   clauses
Title: Re: Dad's Court Martial
Post by: Certacito on Saturday 17 October 15 20:45 BST (UK)
Proper courts martial or just a charge?  Seems excessive even for war time.
Title: Re: Dad's Court Martial
Post by: Chester-Rod on Saturday 17 October 15 22:18 BST (UK)
It was a proper court martial
Title: Re: Dad's Court Martial
Post by: GrahamSimons on Sunday 18 October 15 18:46 BST (UK)
Some info and guidance here:
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/courts-martial-desertion-british-army-17th-20th-centuries/
Title: Re: Dad's Court Martial
Post by: Redroger on Monday 19 October 15 10:17 BST (UK)
Does'nt say much for the quality of the bayonet, does it?
Title: Re: Dad's Court Martial
Post by: Chester-Rod on Monday 19 October 15 11:34 BST (UK)
It did support my dad's weight - he was left hanging and had to be lifted off.  After it was straightened he says you could not tell it had been damaged!