SOLDIERS SHOT

Greymouth Evening Star, 5 June 1934, Page 8

SOLDIERS SHOT

WAR DRAMA RECALLED. [BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN.—*COPYRIGHT,] PARIS, June 4. A tragic episode of the War was recalled at the Court Martial s Appeal Court in a suit brought by four widows and mothers to clear relatives who were shot for cowardice. Major Dubose gave evidence that he was in command of a Fifth Company of the Sixty-third Regiment. Alter the greater part of the Regiment, had. been wiped out in the battle of St. Mihiel, the survivors of the Regiment were ordered back to the line, in an exhausted condition, to capture a strong point on the evening of September 19, 1915. The officers advanced a few yards into No Mun’s Land. The men did not. follow. "I don’t blame them,” added Major Dubose. General Deletoille then ordered the entire company to be court, martialled. I protested. Finally, i was ordered to select, one man per platoon. Five men were chosen by lot, and they were shot, but the Commander of one platoon refused to carry out the order, so a. sixth man escaped. A court martial recommended the five privates to .mercy, but. General Deletoille refused." The Court Martial Appeal Court reserved its judgment. Its verdict, is expected at the end of the month.