Men killed while serving in the armed forces during the First World War were usually named on their local war memorial, but some names were deliberately omitted.
Chief among these are the men who were executed by their own side. In the main they were men who were unable to cope with the extreme pressure placed upon them while serving their country. They are perhaps the most unfortunate casualties of war. Often their families suffered as a result.
The passion of the war has died down. It is time to remember the men and their families with compassion. They include the following.
| Private Edward BOLTON
while serving in France with the 1st Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment was court-marshalled for desertion, and executed on 14th April 1916 Private Ernest BRYANT while serving in France with the 10th Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment was court-marshalled for desertion, and executed on 27th October 1917 Private James CUTHBERT of Oldham while serving in France with the 9th Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment was court-marshalled for disobedience, and executed on 6th May 1916 Lance Corporal James HOLLAND of Northwich while serving in France with the 10th Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment was court-marshalled for cowardice and leaving post, and executed on 30th May 1916 Lance Corporal William Alfred MOON of Chester while serving in France with the 11th Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment was court-marshalled for desertion, and executed on 21st November 1916 Corporal George H POVEY of Connah's Quay while serving in Belgium with the 1st Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment was court-marshalled for leaving post, and executed on 10th February 1915 Private Charles WELSH was born in Chester in 1887, but emigrated to Canada. while serving in France with the 8th Battalion of the Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment) was court-marshalled for desertion, and executed on 6th March 1918. |
Most of the above names were taken from a written answer in the House of Commons (Hansard, 4th February 1999). Further details were found on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's web site.
Please email me if you know of other Cheshire men who were executed in similar circumstances. I would like to add them to this web page.