The Butcher's Bill

Unidentified blacksmith's shop, Sheffield

In the Great War, my paternal grampus Bill served in the Royal Garrison Artillery. Bill was injured after being kicked by a horse. After the Armistice, the brigade was kept in France and informed they were now going to be sent to Russia to fight on the side of the White Russians against the Red Bolsheviks (a futile cause as we now know).


After being told of this new posting, most of the brigade, including Bill (and his brothers), deserted and made their way back to England; knowing well that if they were caught, they would be shot. The authorities later caught up with some of the deserters and although they were not court-martialled, because public opinion was against British involvement in the Russian War, they were denied the right to return to their pre-war employment and they never received their war medals.


It is thought that Bill was a mere Porter with the Grand Central Railway before the war, becoming a Guard after completing his war service. Perhaps Bill joined under the GCR "colours" although I would think this detail of  branded a deserter may mean that his name is expunged from any GCR records.

Seems unfair that he was denied his medal in recognition of the service he did perform, but such is the bloody-mindedness of the English authorities and unwillingness to admit the cause was futile.

Several young lads from Sheffield were executed for "desertion".

The Execution of Sheffield Soldiers in the First World War.

C. Thompson, Butcher, most probably Colin Thompson of Totley Rise & Dore, Sheffield