Sentenced to Death
Following an extended leave from his unit, Private George Raymond Reed tried by FGCM and Sentenced to Death. His FGCM found by chance in the Ministry of the Overseas Military Forces of Canada : Courts martial records, 1914-1919 – a notoriously unsearchable fond, scrubbed of every FGCM which resulted in an execution.
Enlistment of George Raymond Reed
George Raymond Reed 150557 attested 15 November 1915 with the 79th Overseas Battalion. Born 15 July 1897 in London, England. He was an 18-year-old farmer living in King Edward Hotel, Brandon, Manitoba trying to support his widowed mother in Middlesex, England. He stood 5′ 4″ tall with fair complexion, brown eyes and light hair.
(First Canadian Contingent)
At Brandon, treated for a brush-burn on 26 November 1915, and a cold three days later. George sailed to England on 24 April 1916 aboard SS LAPLAND with the 79th Battalion. The 79th supplied reinforcements to other battalions before being absorbed by the 17th Reserve Battalion on 12 July 1916. Reed sent to France on 7 June 1916 to serve with 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles.
1st Canadian Mounted Rifles
Private George Raymond Reed caught up to 1st CMR in billets at Steenvoorde shortly after his arrival at the front. Reinforcements inspected on 13 June 1916. 1st CMR spent several weeks in training before returning to the trenches on 18 July 1916. Finally relived on 26 July 1916.
1st CMR returning to the trenches near Ypres on 8 August 1916. Relieved a week later by 2nd CMR.
Albert
The battalion moved to the Brickfields Area, Albert on 12 September 1916. Employed the following day with Royal Engineers, with 3 OR killed and 7 wounded. Many casualties on the 15th, requiring the remainder of the Raiding Party to come into the line. A raid by a second party on Mouquet Farm and suspected dugouts in that vicinity. Sixty-four OR killed, 173 wounded, and 9 missing.
Shell shocked
From actions at Regina Trench on 1 October 1916, Pvt Reed admitted to No.10 CFA on 2 October 1916 (shock). At 35th CCS 5-17 October 1916.
Sprained back
Accidentally sprained his back on 10 April 1917. No. 13 CGH, Boulogne 10 April 1917. To No. 1 Convalescent Depot, Boulogne, 12 April 1917. No. 10 Convalescent Depot, Ecault, 12 April 1917. Discharged on 3 May 1917.
Missing
Private George Raymond Reed reported Missing after action of 21 October 1917, near Vlamertignhe.
Now reported safe with his unit. 30 January 1918.
Arrest and FGCM
In confinement awaiting trial, 18 March 1918. Tried and convicted of absenting himself from his unit on 21 October 1917 until apprehended by Police at 2pm on 21 January 1918 and Sentenced to Death. MMP Sgt G Hooton found the accused and two other men hiding in a wheat stack between Reninghelst and Poperinghe.
Death sentence commuted to 5 Years Penal Servitude by General H S Horne, 1st Army, 20 February 1918, following remarks by the OC, LtCol Ralph Craven Andros, of 1st CMR. Only 11% of Death Sentences carried out in the CEF. “If he behaves himself in prison, C-in-C shall review in 3 months.” Committed to No. 7 Military Prison, Rouen. Sentence commuted to 2 Years IHL on 7 March 1918. Released under Suspension of Sentences Act, 9 July 1918.
There seems to be an impression among many of the men of my Battalion, that by committing the offence of desertion, they will be awarded a term of imprisonment, which will prevent them from serving in the trenches, and that the Canadian Authorities will arrange for sentences to be remitted after the war. I am of the opinion that in previous cases in which my men have been tried by F.G.C.M. and sentenced to a term of imprisonment, it has not had a beneficial effect on my Battalion. – LtCol T.L. Tremblay, commanding officer of the 22nd Battalion.
Wounded (Self-inflicted)
Reed admitted to No. 9 CFA on 1 August 1918 (NYD). Admitted to No. 6 CGH, Rouen (gas), 12 August 1918. Casualty now reported to be self-inflicted by drinking shell hole water. To No. 10 CGH, Rouen on 14 September 1918, and to reinforcements on 15 September 1918. Reed soon returned to 1st CMR, but received no punishment nor reprimand.
Return to Canada
Proceeded to England with 1st CMR on 12 February 1919. SS OLYMPIC to Canada on 26 March 1919. Following discharge in Canada, moved to 194 Bloor St W, Toronto. Unknown what became of Private George Raymond Reed.
Private George Raymond Reed’s service file: https://recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/Home/Record?app=pffww&IdNumber=596943&q_type_1=q&q_1=150557&ecopy=596393a
See his Trial court record: https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_reel_t8680/5104
