Shot at Dawn
CEFRG presents the account of an execution, a soldier Shot at Dawn. Private Pierre-Côme Laliberté 416874/61703 was born on 24 February 1896, in Deschaillons, Lotbinière County, Québec. Baptized Pierre-Côme Laliberté. Son of Ludger Laliberté (deceased in 1907), and Eugénie Hamel, of Montréal, Québec. His brother, Joseph, resided at 49 St. Mary’s St., Montreal.
Private Pierre-Côme Laliberté
First enlistment
Living in Montreal at 2272 Notre Dame Street West with his mother when he enlisted with the 22nd (French Canadian) Battalion on 24 October 1914 as Private Côme Laliberté 61703. Côme’s father Ludger Laliberté died in 1907. Côme claimed three years prior service with the 65th Regiment – this is not likely. Côme stood 5 feet, 4 1/2 inches, with medium complexion, brown eyes, black hair. He was Roman Catholic and a labourer by trade.
While with the Van Doos, on 4 January 1915, fined $6.00, on 18 January, fined $2.00, and on 2 February, fined $6.00. Then, on 3 March 1915, at St. Johns, Quebec, Côme released due to his conduct. Rather obvious early in his service, Private Laliberté not a reliable soldier.
Second Enlistment
Three days later, upon his return to Montreal, Laliberté reenrolled with the 41st Battalion, as Private Côme Laliberté 416874. However, stated being born in Lotbinière, on 24 March 1893.
Corporal Pierre-Côme Laliberté
In April 1915, Private Pierre-Côme Laliberté promoted to Corporal. His appointment does not last long, as Corporal Pierre-Côme Laliberté reverts in rank, 24 May 1915, in order to proceed overseas. On 20 May 1915, Côme sailed for England.
England
On 27 June 1915, at Shorncliffe Army Camp in England, fined $1 and confined to his barracks for 14 days due to drunkenness. However, Côme likely obtained alcohol anyway, and on 4 July 1915, admitted to Moore Barracks Hospital with a concussion (injury to side of head). Côme released four days later.
Field Punishment No. 2
On 11 August 1915, Laliberté forfeits 4 days pay, and awarded 7 days Field Punishment No. 2. Then, on 23 August 1915, Laliberté given an anti-typhoid inoculation. Finally, ignoring all the warning signs, his commanding officer preparing to send Private Pierre-Côme Laliberté overseas.
France
On 6 September 1915, Laliberté proceeded overseas to join the 3rd Battalion. Then, on 30 October 1915, Laliberté receives a gunshot wound to the left side of his head, and diagnosed with a concussion. Note this is Laliberté’s second concussion in three months. Côme was in the trenches, about ten kilomètres south of Ieper with Private J. Eastman, when they came under attack by rifle-grenades. Private Eastman caught and threw back a grenade, but Côme and another soldier badly wounded.
Assessed as having a concussion, and after six weeks hospitalization at Étaples, he rejoins his unit. Initially, treated for shock at the No. 1 Canadian Field Ambulance, and subsequently admitted to the No. 23 General Hospital. Finally, Laliberté discharged 12 December 1915.
Rejoins 3rd Battalion
On 8 January 1916, Private Pierre-Côme Laliberté transported to Base Detail Corps. Taken-on-Strength with the 3rd Battalion in the field, 11 January 1916.
Field Punishment No. 1
15 January 1916, Private Pierre-Côme Laliberté caught Out of Bounds, without a Pass, and improperly dressed. Awarded seven days’ Field Punishment No.1. On 17 January 1916, Côme proceeds to his unit (as a Prisoner). Then, on 27 February 1916, fined for loss his helmet. Finally, on 7 March 1916, pay stopped for loss of helmet.
Battle of Mount Sorrel
During actions of the Battle of Mount Sorrel in June/July 1916, Private Pierre-Côme Laliberté left the ranks, and refused to go forward. This time the punishment was more severe. Court martialed and found guilty of desertion. In keeping with military discipline at the time, Laliberté sentenced to death. On 7 July 1916, in confinement, awaiting trial. Finally, on 25 July 1916, tried and convicted, sentenced to be shot.
General Sir Douglas Haig
On 3 August 1916, in a handwritten will, bequeaths all his property, and effects to his mother, Madame Eugenie Laliberté of 220 Rue Therien in Montreal. The Court recommends mercy on account of his good conduct in the trenches. However, General Sir Douglas Haig confirms the sentence. Sentence carried out at 04h50 on 4 August 1916, near HQ of the 1st Canadian Division. Buried in Poperinghe New Military Cemetery in Belgium. Important to note, when Sir Arthur Currie commands the Canadian Corps after 1 July 1917. He too, will confirm sentences of death for Canadian soldiers.
Killed-in-Action
On 12 August 1916, noted in his service record, Private Pierre-Côme Laliberté killed in action on 4 August 1916. Apparent there was some attempt to alter the truth. However, a later note corrects that error: Entry of ‘Killed in Action’ cancelled. Sentenced to death + shot for Deserting his Majesty’s Service.
Epilogue
In March of 1921, Private Pierre-Côme Laliberté’s medals, 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal, forwarded to his mother, Mdme. Eugénie Laliberté.
On 11 December 2001, Veteran Affairs Minister, Dr. Ron Duhamel rose in the House of Commons and, read the names of 23 Canadians, Shot at Dawn. However, two Canadians, Shot at Dawn, for murder, were not included. The government issued an official apology. Announcement of its regret was entered into the Parliamentary record.
Their names were written into Parliament Hill’s Book of Remembrance.
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Private James H. Wilson, 4th Battalion, had been Shot at Dawn, the week before. Buried right beside Private Pierre-Côme Laliberté in Poperinghe New Military Cemetery, Belgium.
Private Joseph-Expédié-Gustave-Gaston-Irénée Comte, 22nd Battalion, was also Shot at Dawn, 3 July 1917. He lies buried at Aix-Noulette Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas de Calais, Plot I, Row F Grave 20.
Quintessential Shot at Dawn Story
Company Quartermaster Sergeant Alexander, the quintessential story of soldiers Shot at Dawn. Company Quartermaster Sergeant William Alexander in the Great War.
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