WW1 Military Prison’s UK.

[bitzar]

Hello

I’m following an Australian Soldier who was AWL for 5 months (a repeat offender) in France 1918.  He was sentenced to 1 year in prison. 

Looks like he was first sent to No. II (Eleven written underneath) Military Prison.  The record then mentions Carnarvon Prison.  After 10 months he was released from HM Prison Exeter.

Could anyone elaborate on these gaols, what would of happened, and what would life of been like as a deserter in Gaol.

Much appreciated.

Bitzar.

[KGarrad]

There is some info here:
https://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/soldiers/a-soldiers-life-1914-1918/military-crimes-1914-1918-british-army/british-army-military-prisons-detention-barracks-1914/

But no mention of Caernarfon or Exeter?

[jim1]

Psychologically a prison was set up to take a man apart & put him together again as an efficient & obedient soldier.
This was achieved by hard labour, regular inspections, drills, PT & route marches.
The slightest misdemeanour was dealt with swiftly & severely.
On route marches the men had to suffer the abuse from the locals who regarded them as cowards.
In most cases it had the desired effect. Men were more afraid of prison than they were of the Germans.

[bitzar]

Thank you both.

Would AIF been treated the same as a British Soldier?!

Bitzar.

[jim1]

As far as the prison was concerned he was just a number.
To their credit Australia didn't have the death penalty for desertion.

[bitzar]

Jim1

Yes, I remember reading something about Australia signing something about their ‘deserters’.  Would there be instances where British military prisoners would escape a death sentence or where AIF would be given one?!

Bitzar.

ADD:

Do you think that 1 year for being AWL sounds fitting?!  I think it was about his third time. 

[jim1]

Around 90% of death sentences were commuted.
I do believe there were a couple of Australians who were executed for murder but I don't believe there were any executed for desertion.
I have seen a record of a soldier who was a 3 times offender who received 2 x 6 months & then 1 year for his 3rd. offence so on that basis it sounds about right.
One of the curiosities of sentencing was that the man had to pay for his uniform & kit that had by now been discarded.

[bitzar]

I was surprised too, that mine actually received his service medals!

Bitzar.

[jim1]

Only men who were executed or dishonourably discharged forfeited their medals.