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Lost Rifle
Extracts from an unpublished book
by
L/Cpl. William Joseph Lowe 14640525
.....During one of
my visits, I went to the Military Cemetery on the North side of the City where
most of my pals had been re-buried.
.....The day before we were due to be relieved I was in charge of the North
Train guard, on the return journey we had no goods to guard so I dismissed
the chaps and they went to sleep on the coaches.
.....On arriving at Thaxi I was informed that one of the chaps had lost his
rifle. By rights I should have put him under guard, but I let him off as he
produced another rifle, so off we went to sleep till about 9 o’clock
in the morning when we were fetched out of our beds and told to parade outside
with our rifles. Here we met a Red Cap and a Burmese Policeman. A rifle check
was held as the Police had lost a rifle on the train, which was found to be
in the possession of Private XXXX, who had lost his. A short time later he
was on company orders and out in close arrest, a short time later I followed
him. About 4 o’clock we sent under escort to the Battalion. Next day
a court of Inquiry was held and two more Privates were put on charges, and
I was sent back to my company lines under escort of one Corporal. During the
next week I just lazed about on my bed, and then came the Summary of Evidence.
This was taken on Oath, in my case there were 5 witnesses, the evidence was
taken by the Adjutant, with another Officer. The witness in case differed in
nearly all the main points, here I was helped by an Officer, giving me a nod
and a wink, when to and when not to speak. A few days later I was put on C.O.
orders and given a severe reprimand. At night I was Guard Commander over others,
and in a very short time all was forgotten.
L/Cpl. William Joseph Lowe