Facts in possession of the Author
A young Canadian officer was sent home disgraced. Sodden with alcohol, he left the train and shot a railway clerk dead.
Facts in Montreal “Weekly Witness,” October 24, 1916
A Russian soldier in the Canadian forces, described as a clean, soldierly man, with a splendid character from his officer, was charged with the murder of a Canadian private who tried to separate two quarrelling soldiers in a bar. The prisoner had drunk much whisky and remembered nothing of his crime, and was sentenced to twelve months’ hard labour for manslaughter. The judge hoped he might be used as a soldier in the Russian Army.
Record of Hampshire Assizes, February 1916
A man from Prohibition Russia enlisted in Prohibition Canada, and came to England. He spent 9s. on drink one day, and that night he crept from his bed and killed his corporal at Witley Camp.
Police Records of Godalming, February 1917
A Canadian soldier, aged 26, after a publichouse quarrel with another soldier, was found dying on the pavement in Hastings. His throat had been cut, and he died on entering the hospital. The other soldier was charged with murder, and sentenced to 15 years.
Record of Hastings Assizes, March 1917
A young Canadian soldier, aged 20, died from alcohol while in training at Witley. He had a bottle of stout followed by nine or ten “double-headers” of neat whisky in about two hours. He was carried back to camp, laid unconscious on his bed, and died.