Despite the Cardwell reforms of the previous century Military Discipline in the British Army during the Great War could still be as harsh as it had been 100 years before. Although flogging had been abolished in the 19th century the death penalty could still be awarded for a number of offences.
During the course of the war some 3,080 death sentences were passed out by General Court Martial of which 346 (including three on officers) were actually carried out by Firing Squad. The most common offence was that of Desertion (266 including two of the Officers), but other offences included Mutiny (3), Cowardice (1
, Murder (37 including the remaining Officer), Striking a superior Officer (6), Disobedience (5), Sleeping on post (2 -though normally punished by field punishment), Quitting post (7) and casting away Arms (2).
Most of those who faced a firing squad did so in France or Flanders where the main British war effort was directed (322), and of these, nineteen death sentences were on members of the Native Labour Corps (mostly for murder), and of the 324 Other Ranks shot 91 were already on suspended sentence including 40 suspended death sentences. Many pre-war deserters having rejoined at the start of war rather than face more severe penalties and many of the others also had prior criminal records.
General Sir Douglas Haig (the British Commander in Chief) to his credit would only agree to execution if no other extenurating circumstances could be found. Thus the rate of 11% of death sentences actually being carried out.
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