One non Stock name
was discovered, Private Archibald Browne who was with the Second Essex
Regiment. He lived in Ingatestone with his mother and was part of the regular
forces.
In November 1914, he deserted, and was caught in Hazebrouck by a
gendarme, whilst in local French clothes. |
Close
up |
| He was arrested and
taken to the military police and returned to the Second Essex to await a court
martial. This was carried out in Nieppe on 5th December 1914. |
|
Archibald
Browne was charged on three counts
1. That he deserted
2. He stole
clothes to wear from a house
3. He tried to escape custody |
| He was found
guilty and two weeks late 19th Dec 1914 he was shot, aged 26. Next December is
the 90th anniversary of his death. |
| He has no
known grave and is remembered on the Ploegseert Memorial. |
| Why he did it
we can never guess. Much will be written about those executed, for failing to
do their duty. How can we forgive? Would it ever be possible? |
