QSR1915/4/3/4

Statement - George Darker

6th October 1915

From: 1915 To: 1915

Sir, Just a few words in my defence. I am sorry to have to stand before you today, when I ought to be fighting for my Country. While soldiering at Harpenden, I had my wife and children down for a holiday. The youngest took measles and died. Then the same complaint broke out among the men, and I was blamed for that. So I sent my wife back home. Next morning I had a letter to say that the eldest had taken the same complaint and was not expected to live. I asked for leave. I could not have it because we were under moving orders. It so prayed on my mind I could not rest. I took the motorcycle from there to get to B.Ham (Birmingham). It broke down at Luton. I tried to get it repaired. In the meantime, I went back to the regiment. Determined to get home I took the other from Luton Station and got home. Then I saw what I had done. I dare not go back so I stayed away until my brothers death in a coal pit. I went to his funeral and was arrested. I made a clean breast of all to Inspector Yardley at Bedworth Police Station. Now Sir I place myself in your hands, I am a Farrier Sergt. In the Army Service Corps and I have 8 years’ service in as well. I hope you will take into consideration the circumstances (and I have been in prison since August) and deal as leniently with me as possible and give me another chance to get back into the Army. I am sorry for what I have done. I can see my folly now and by the help of God I mean to go straight. Hoping you will be as leniently as possible. I beg to remain your respectfully. G Darker

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Birmingham, Bedworth, stealing, motorcycles