William Alfred's Story.
William was born in 1896 in Chester, his parents were Alfred and Mary Moon. In 1911 William, age 15 was working as a Stationers Porter. He had six siblings of which, by 1911 two had died. William volunteered in November 1914, and he went to France 25 September 1915. The trial transcript below indicates that a shell landed near to William on the 31 December 1915 which had a profound effect on him, for clarity it is possible that the date was actually 30th December as the 11th battalion had no losses on the 31st. The letter that is mentioned, sent by Lieutentant Colonel Aspinall shows he was concerned about the William’s welfare, sadly he was killed in action 3 July 1916, would he have supported William at his trial in November of the same year? One of the shocking aspects is the medical evidence, the Medical Officer had no knowledge of Williams medical history, and the court shows no attempt to find or obtain evidence from the beginning of 1916 when William was treated. Therefore, William’s mental state was not investigated. Near to the end of the transcript, the Brigade commander, the Commanding Officer of the 11th battalion and the CSM who gave evidence all confirmed William’s character was good. Sadly, the Divisional and Army commanders disagreed. William was shot 6.45 am November 21st, 1916.
William was tried by Field General Cout Martial at Romarin on the 11 November 1916.
Charge Sheet.
The accused 17790 Lance Corporal William Arthur Moon 11th (S) battalion Cheshire Regiment a soldier of the regular forces is charged with.
First Charge A.A. Sec 12 (a) When on active service deserting His Majesty’s Service.
In that he on the field on the 29 of May 1916 absented himself from the 11th (S) battalion Cheshire Regiment until apprehended by the Military Police at St. Pol on the 3 October 1916.
Signed . W.R Evans Lieut Colonel (Commanding 11th (S) battalion Cheshire Regiment
Transcript of the trial of 17790 lance Corporal W.A. Moon 11th (S) battalion Cheshire Regiment.
Prosecution
1st Witness
14634 C.S.M. Charles Lowth 11th (S) battalion Cheshire Regiment.
Sworn Statement.
On May 29, 1916, I was acting C.S.M. of B company 11th battalion Cheshire Regiment. The accused was in my company. We were then stationed at Ecoivres and had come out of the trenches two days previously. We were in rest at Ecoivres. On the evening of May 29 after roll call I received an absentee report relating to the accused. I received the report from the orderly corporal who is now sick in England.
I searched the camp at Ecoivres and could not find the accused anywhere, he was absent.
I have remained with this company since May 29 the accused was not present at any time until October 6, 1916, when he was brought back to the company under arrest. I saw him myself.
Cross examined by the accused.
On May 28th I saw the accused at Ecoivres, he was then in a narrow condition. The accused had been in hospital from May 1 to 14 . On May 15th he went into hospital again and was discharged on May 26, 1916.
The accused had been suffering from shock for several months the shock was caused find incident that the accused on December 31, 1915, when a shell burst close to him and blew parts of a comrade's head and brains into his face. The accused went into hospital and after coming out was continually going sick until he went into rest for about 10 weeks, he seemed to be alright when he went back into the line until admitted to hospital on 1May 1916.
2nd Witness
70884 Corporal A.B. Elford Royal Engineers 3rd Army HQ
Sworn Statement
About the beginning of July 1916, I was stationed at St. Pol, my work took me frequently to Mechal about one kilometre outside the town. I met the accused about the beginning of July at Mechal and saw the accused there from time to time for about 3 months until his arrest. He had no cap batch or numeral on. His health seemed to be all right. On one occasion the accused asked me to lend him 20 francs and I did so. He told me he had a kit inspection and would need to get another pair of boots. The accused when I gave him the money gave me an IOU signed in the name of private Welsby. I did not know him by any other name.
Not cross examined by the accused.
3rd Witness
055179 lance Corporal G. S. James Detective M.P. 3rd Army
Sworn Statement
At 12:15 PM on October 3rd, 1916, I saw the accused inside the YMCA Hut at St. Pol. He was not wearing any cap badge or numerals. After warning the accused I asked him where he was stationed inconsequence of a statement, he made to all I went with the accused towards the sanitary section close by. On the way the accused spoke to me, and I then took him to the guardroom in St. Pol and placed him under arrest.
The accused appearance was quite normal, and he seemed to me to be in good health. His manner in speaking was quite rational.
Not cross examined by the accused.
Defence.
William Moon makes a statement.
Not on oath.
I say I am not responsible for my actions ever since I was with the battalion at the end of 1915 I have been in a queer state and have often been in a condition in which I have not known what I am doing.
The accused hands in a letter dated 23 June 1916, which he states was written by Lieutenant Colonel Aspinall to his mother. The accused states he was handed this letter by Colonel Evans the present CO. (Lieutenant Colonel Aspinall was killed in action 3 July 1916 on the Somme)
13 Weaver Street
Chester
23 June 1916
Dear X
As there is a considerable accumulation of letters for your son 17790 Lance Corporal W.A. Moon it is evident that you have not heard from him for some time.
In consequence I feel it my duty to inform you that Lance Corporal Moon left his billets without permission while the battalion was resting from the trenches on the 29th of May. Every step has been taken to trace him but no news of him has been received, and I have been hoping every day that he would reappear as it sometimes happens out here that men take ‘trench breaks’ in this fashion for some unaccountable reason, and eventually report themselves to the battalion.
Your son has twice suffered from shell shock during this campaign, and it is quite possible that he may be housed in some village far away from where there are troops and maybe suffering from loss of memory.
I'm afraid this news will be a great worry to you and give you much anxiety, but I think you have every reason to hope that your son will reappear sooner or later.
Assuring you of my sympathy and trusting that I may soon be in position to give you better news.
Believe me yours faithfully R L Aspinall Lt. Colonel (Commanding 11th Battalion Cheshire Regiment)
1st Witness
Captain F W Chamberlain R.A.M.C.
I am the MO of the 11th battalion Cheshire regiment.
I've seen the accused on one occasion only when he was suffering from acute laryngitis that was about a month ago.
I have no knowledge of the accused’s medical history, and I have never made any examination of him to ascertain his mental condition, I am unable to make any statement on that subject.
Evidence of Character after finding
2nd Witness
2nd Lt. H.M. Wilkinson 11th (S) battalion Cheshire Regiment.
Sworn Statement
I produce AFB 122 relating to the accused. The accused came out with battalion September 1915.
14634 C.S.M. Lowth 11th (S) battalion Cheshire Regiment
On his formal oath states.
I have known the accused for two years during which time he was a member of my company. I have always found him to be one of the best of soldiers and I've never had any trouble with him.
The accused makes no statement in mitigation.
Findings.
I am of the opinion that this is a clear case of desertion and which there is no reason why the sentence should not be carried out. The state of discipline in this battalion is satisfactory. (Brigadier General Commanding 25th Division) 12 November 1916.
I consider that the sentence of the court should be carried out. (Lieut General 2nd Army) 13 November 1916.
With reference to the attached court martial proceedings, from the evidence produced I am of the opinion that the accused 17790 Lance Corporal WA moon 11th battalion Cheshire regiment was not in a good state of health at the time off his absence on the 29th of May 1916 and that he was not then responsible for his actions. The state of discipline in this battalion is satisfactory. I do not inconsequence consider it necessary for the sentence penalty to be carried out. (Lieut Colonel Commanding 75th Infantry Brigade) 10 November 1916 (note dated 10th the day before the trial, this must be an error)
There is no officer at present with this battalion who was serving before the 29th of May 1916. There have been no cases of desertion in this battalion since its arrival on active service on 25 September 1915 and the state of discipline is satisfactory. I do not consider that the existing state of discipline in this unit makes necessary of carrying out the extreme penalty in this case. (W.R Evans Lieut Colonel commanding 11th Battalion Cheshire Regiment) 11 November 1916.
Confirmation. 18 November 1916.
In confirmation of my telegram No. A (b) 2017 of today. Please note that the C. in C. has confirmed the sentence in the case of 17790 Lance Corporal W.A. Moon, 11th battalion Cheshire Regiment.
Please return the proceedings direct to this office after promulgation.
I certify that 17790 Lance Corporal Private W.A. Moon 11th battalion Cheshire Regiment was executed by shooting at 06.45 am on November 21, 1916, at Bailleul.
Death was instantaneous (Signed Lt. Goodman R.A.M.C. medical officer)