Gallipoli Veteran Beaten Up, 4th July 1917

Sadly, he did not survive the war, being killed in action on 7th October 1918. The son of Mrs. Mary Payne, of 79 St. Matthias Road, Carlton Road, Nottingham, the 23 year-old is commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial.

“SOLDIER ROBBED.

“SIX MONTHS EACH FOR “IDLE VAGABONDS.”

“Described by the Chief Constable as “idle, worthless, vagabonds who associated with people of the lowest possible type,” Thomas Smith, 25, news-vendor, and William Oliver Petitt, 20, street artist, both living in Pear-street, Nottingham, were committed to prison for six months at the Guildhall, Nottingham, to-day [4th July 1917], for stealing £3 10s. in Treasury notes from Private Luther Payne, South Staffordshire Regiment.

“Prosecutor, who is home on leave from France, stated that on the evening of June 27th he entered the bar parlour of the Swan Hotel, Beastmarket-hill, and was joined by prisoners. Smith showed him a penny and asked him to make it into two drinks and witness gave him 11d. He subsequently changed a. 10s. note which he took from a box containing other Treasury notes and handed them money for further drinks. Witness left the premises at 9.30 and was followed by prisoners. When passing along Warser-gate Smith seized him round the waist and the other prisoner struck and kicked him while they struggled on the ground. When he eventually got away he missed his money.

“P.c. J. Clay who arrested prisoners the following day, said Smith shouted out “Let’s have a for him” and Petitt tripped him up. Inspector Wyville took one of the men and a corporal of the Military Police assisted witness with Smith, who was very violent and had to be handcuffed. Charged the Guildhall with the theft Smith replied, “Yes, we don’t want to go to the Assizes.”

“It transpired that each prisoner had a long list of previous convictions against him, and in sentencing them both Mr. J. Reid (chairman), who was accompanied on the bench by Mr. J. W. Jones, observed that there were other points in the case which might receive attention from the police.” [2]

[1] He landed in Gallipoli on 1st October 1915.

[2] 'Nottingham Evening Post', 4th July 1917.