Convicted by civil powers. For what? Completed

[muttly]

Does anyone have any advice on how to find out what offense got my Great grandfather discharged from the army?
 His name was Daniel Frith, He was stationed in Aldershot with the Royal Field Artillery.
On his discharge papers it states the discharge was due to his being "convicted by civil powers". I have the date 5th June 1901 but I'm not sure if that was the date of the conviction or the offense.

[Redroger]

Perhaps it would be worthwhile looking at the local newpapers for the Aldershot area? While the offence could have been committed anywhere I think it most likely that it was committed in that region. I think it likely that he was discharged for two possible reasons: 1) Something likely to have brought the Army into disrepute, or 2) He was unable to carry out his duties due to imprisonment. Have you tried for the service record?

[muttly]

Thank you for your reply. His discharge papers state the convicted bit. Would he have had other service records? 
The newspaper sounds like a good idea.  So my next question is. Does anyone know what the local paper would be and whether there is online access to the archives.

[PaulineJ]

Probably won't be online access; there rarely is.
We don't know the date of his discharge to identify what was being published at that time.

Pauline

[Springbok]

Hi Muttley,

This link is to the Aldershot News, which does seem to have archive material, but only a little on line if you "Google" 

http://www.mediauk.com/newspapers/41428/aldershot-news

Spring

[Redroger]

There is the newspaper archive at Colindale, not been but told they have a lot of material.Have youtried Googling his name and the date?

[LemonMallie]

I have a similar situation but the details were all included in the 26 page service record downloaded from Ancestry.  My fellow's record included a printed form from the sessional court in Dartford Kent which listed his offence (unlawfully drunk on a highway while in charge of two horses and a van) and his punishment (14 days imprisonment and a fine).  It was also noted on the Regimental Conduct sheet.  But this was not serious enough to have him discharged and in fact he was convicted of drunkenness again a year later but still returned to duty.  He finally scarpered in 1907 and was noted as a deserter.

If you don't have his full service record, it might be worth checking Ancestry or ordering it from the TNA.

Lynwen

[muttly]

Thank you all for your replies.
I think the information that I have was "gleaned" from his enlistment papers.
Wow, Since Lynwen's ancestor wasn't discharged  now I'm even more intrigued as to what mine did! unfortunately I don't have Ancestry at the moment Do you think it would be acceptable to post a look up request?

[Redroger]

Go for it!! Nothing ventured etc.etc.