Discipline

Grandpa was disciplined on eight (8) occasions during his military service. The designation W.O.A.S (While on Active Service) was noted on three (3) of the offenses. W.O.A.S. was a specific notation, used in the military, to enable field punishment by court-martial. The specific behaviors that prompted Grandpa’s discipline, resulting charges, and location they occurred, are listed below:

Charge: Insolence to superior officer (17 July. 1916)
Awarded: 7 days C.B. (Confined to Barracks)
Location: Narrow Neck Camp, Auckland, New Zealand

Charge: Inattention on Parade (10 Aug. 1916)
Awarded: 2 days C.B. (Confined to Barracks)
Location: Narrow Neck Camp, Auckland, New Zealand

Charge: Untidy Bunk, Neglect of Duty (11 Sept. 1916)
Awarded: 2 days C.B. (Confined to Barracks)
Location: HMNZT No. 61, Aparima

Charge: Drunkeness and Disorderly (7 Nov 1916)
Awarded: Fine 10/-
Location: Sling Camp, England

Charge: (W.O.A.S.) Using obscene and abusive language to an NCO (7 Nov 1916)
Awarded: Forfeit 7 days pay
Location: Sling Camp, England

Charge: Late on 1pm parade (8 Nov 16)
Awarded: 168 hours detention (7 days)
Location: Sling Camp, England

Charge: (W.O.A.S.) Absent from Gas Drill (28 April 1918)
Awarded: 5 days C.B. (Confined to Barracks)
Location: Hebuterne, France

Charge: (W.O.A.S.) Losing identity discs (23 July 1918)
Awarded: 3 days C.B. (Confined to Barracks)
Location: Coigneue, France

After reviewing Grandpa's behavior and the accompanying penalties, it is clear that he was never court-martialed, even though W.O.A.S. meant that a district court-martial (used for small scale misdemeanors and moderately, serious offences) could have been convened. The records show that Grandpa was heard and sentenced by his Commanding Officer. This was a common practice. Discipline, by a Commanding Officer, typically occurred for lesser offences.