Salford's "Shot at Dawn" Pardoned Soldiers
Oct 17, 2010 18:10:04 GMT
Post by Hawker Hurricane on Oct 17, 2010 18:10:04 GMT
On 1st December 1916, two pals were executed for desertion after Court Martial. They were finally pardoned by announcement made in August 2006, along with 304 other shot soldiers. These two both had links with Salford, and therefore I recall their story here.
Pte. 10495 Albert Ingham (24) and Pte. 10502 Alfred Longshaw (21) were friends who worked together at the Salford Goods Yard of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company as clerks. They volunteered together and served together in the 18th Bn. of the Manchester Regiment. Neither of their service records appear to have survived, and are possibly among the 'burnt records' lost during World War II, but other sources indicate that they volunteered early. Their medal cards, showing the forfeiture of their medals indicate their entry date into the theatre of war was 18th November 1915, originally entitling both to the 1915 Star.
They both saw active service on the Somme. They were due to be transferred to their Brigade's machine gun unit for service in the trenches, but made their way together to the coast. They were stowed away in civilian clothing on a Swedish ship in Dieppe harbour when they were caught and arrested. It later emerged that Alfred's wife was ill, and that he had been refused compassionate leave to see her.
One friend desperately worried about his beloved wife, the other helping his friend, convicted and shot following what have since been acknowledged as abbreviated Courts Martial with or little opportunity for a defence.
Following their executions, they were buried side-by-side in the Bailleulmont Communal Cemetery in France, Albert in grave B.12 and Alfred in grave B.13. In death, as in life, these two friends are truly inseparable. Now pardoned, may they rest in peace for evermore.
Both are listed on the Commonwealth War Graves, but neither appear in the SDGW database.
Pte. 10495 Albert Ingham (24) and Pte. 10502 Alfred Longshaw (21) were friends who worked together at the Salford Goods Yard of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company as clerks. They volunteered together and served together in the 18th Bn. of the Manchester Regiment. Neither of their service records appear to have survived, and are possibly among the 'burnt records' lost during World War II, but other sources indicate that they volunteered early. Their medal cards, showing the forfeiture of their medals indicate their entry date into the theatre of war was 18th November 1915, originally entitling both to the 1915 Star.
They both saw active service on the Somme. They were due to be transferred to their Brigade's machine gun unit for service in the trenches, but made their way together to the coast. They were stowed away in civilian clothing on a Swedish ship in Dieppe harbour when they were caught and arrested. It later emerged that Alfred's wife was ill, and that he had been refused compassionate leave to see her.
One friend desperately worried about his beloved wife, the other helping his friend, convicted and shot following what have since been acknowledged as abbreviated Courts Martial with or little opportunity for a defence.
Following their executions, they were buried side-by-side in the Bailleulmont Communal Cemetery in France, Albert in grave B.12 and Alfred in grave B.13. In death, as in life, these two friends are truly inseparable. Now pardoned, may they rest in peace for evermore.
Both are listed on the Commonwealth War Graves, but neither appear in the SDGW database.
Remembered with honour and gratitude.