i wonder that whether there were some EKs given back to the autority for any reasons, ie. the recipient made a terrible mistake?
thx everyone!
Best Regards!
Tang Si
thx everyone!
Best Regards!
Tang Si
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Convicted felons in the German military, as far back as Imperial times, could have TEMPORARY loss of awards, while being punished: someone confined in a military prison was not allowed to wear medals until released. As far as I know, only in the Third Reich did the Nazis "permanently" strip recipients of awards, as well as rank-- that happened with the 20 July 1944 plotters before they were executed.
Most nations have a forfeiture procedure for high awards if the recipient commits serious crimes. Britain literally ERASED Victoria Cross recipients' names from the roll of that award for such offenses, though I do not think the actual Cross was forfeited. -
Yep, Rick hit the nail on the head.
About the VC - I quote from the VC Reference
An expulsion clause allowed for a recipient's name to be erased from the official Register in certain wholly discreditable circumstances, and his pension cancelled.
Although there are eight recorded cases of forfeiture, in accordance with the terms of the original Warrant, all eight men are still included in the main total and no mention of the forfeiture is made except as a note at the bottom of the War Office List, which covers the period 1856 to August 1914.
King George V felt very strongly that the decoration should never be forfeited. In a letter written by his Private Secretary, Lord Stamfordham, on 26th July 1920, his views are forcibly expressed: "The King feels so strongly that, no matter the crime committed by anyone on whom the VC has been conferred, the decoration should not be forfeited. Even were a VC to be sentanced to be hanged for murder, he should be allowed to wear his VC on the scaffold".
Midshipman Edward DANIEL, Crimean War
Convicted of desertion / evading court martial. Warrant authorising forfeiture: 4 Sept 1861.
Sergeant James McGUIRE, Indian Mutiny
Convicted of theft of a cow. 22 Dec 1862.
Private Valentine BAMBRICK, Indian Mutiny
Convicted of assault and theft of a comrade's medals. 3 Dec 1863.
Private Michael MURPHY, Indian Mutiny
Convicted of theft of 10 bushels of oats. 5 Mar 1872.
Private Thomas LANE, China
Convicted of desertion on active service & theft of a horse, arms and accoutrements. 7 Apr 1881.
Private Frederick CORBETT, Egypt & Sudan
Convicted of embezzlement & theft from an officer. 30 Jul 1884.
Gunner James COLLIS, Afghan War
Convicted of bigamy. 18 Nov 1895.
Private George RAVENHILL, Boer War
Convicted of theft of iron. 24 Aug 1908Comment
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