Newcastle 1912 - a soldier's tale
SUMMARY OF EVIDENCE in the case of No. 877 Corpl.
John Forster Telford
24th. Northumberland Fusiliers.
1st. Witness:-
Lt C.E.F. Mathews, 2nd Dragoons, states:-
On the afternoon of the 12th. inst, I was in charge of a troop of 30 men posted in aid of the civil power on the Newcastle Town Moor. At the same time a section of men from the Northumberland Fusiliers Territorial Force in charge of the accused were posted to my right. At about 3.00 p.m. I observed a party of police officers armed with batons attempting to force their way through the crowd towards the speaker. These officers were very roughly handled by the crowd. At this point the crowd turned towards the Fusiliers and began jeering and hooting. Almost immediately the men began to waver and fall back, the accused among them. As the crowd advanced the Fusiliers turned and ran, some dropping their weapons. I observed the accused among them. He made no attempt to rally or remonstrate with the men in his charge.
(signature) C.E.F. Mathews, Lt.
(handwritten) The accused declines to cross [examine] this Witness.
(
signature)
K R Balfour Maj. Presdt. F Ellis Capt. G Bracken Capt
Findings of the Court
It is the unanimous finding of the court that the accused is guilty under Section 40 of the Army Act 1881 of acting to the prejudice of good order and military discipline.
Sentence
The accused is sentenced to be reduced to the ranks, to two years hard labour and to be discharged with dishonour from His Majesty's Armed Forces.