A SUMMARY OF BRITISH NAVAL COURTS MARTIAL DURING THE WAR YEARS 1939 TO 1945
Written by Godfrey Dykes
© RN Communications Branch/Museum Library
YEAR ADMIRALTY NUMBER SUBJECT 1939 ADM156/195 Board of Enquiry into loss of HMS COURAGEOUS following submarine attack: criticism of Commander C. Woodhouse, RN 1940 ADM156/197 Disclosure of secret naval information to unauthorised persons: case of Lt. Cdr. C. Crawshay, RN 1940 ADM156/198 Audible discussion of secret naval matters in public place: case of Sub-Lieut. G.C. Ames, RNVR 1940 ADM156/199 Loss of HMS SUSSEX: Board of Enquiry and subsequent Court Martial of Capt. R.V. Symonds Taylor, Cdr. A.M. Else and Cdr.(E) H.M. Millet, RN 1940 ADM156/200 Loss of HMS SUSSEX: Board of Enquiry and subsequent Court Martial of Capt. R.V. Symonds Taylor, Cdr. A.M. Else and Cdr.(E) H.M. Millet, RN 1940 ADM156/201 Hazarding and Stranding of HMS SALVAGE KING: termination of T.124T, agreement of Temporary Lieutenant Robert Hill RNR. 1941/42 ADM156/202 Sabotage in HMS MYOSOTIS: reduction of sentences passed on Leading Seaman S.E.Bucknole and Able Seaman T. Vallance 1941/42 ADM156/203 Loss of HMS ARK ROYAL: Board of Enquiry and Court Martial of Captain L.E.H. Maund RN. 1941/42 ADM156/204 Loss of HMS ARK ROYAL: Board of Enquiry and Court Martial of Captain L.E.H. Maund RN. 1941/42 ADM156/205 Loss of HMS ARK ROYAL: Board of Enquiry and Court Martial of Captain L.E.H. Maund RN. 1941/42 ADM156/206 Loss of HMS ARK ROYAL: Board of Enquiry and Court Martial of Captain L.E.H. Maund RN. 1942 ADM156/207 Loss of HMS ARK ROYAL: Enquiry by Second Bucknill Committee. 1942 ADM156/208 Disclosure of most secret information: Temporary Lieutenant L.C. Head RNR HMS DINOSAUR. 1942/43 ADM156/209 Torpedoing and scuttling of HMS MANCHESTER: Board of Enquiry, Court Martial of surviving officers and crew and discontinuance of Courts Martial under section 92 of Naval Discipline Act for the duration of the war. 1942/43 ADM156/210 Torpedoing and scuttling of HMS MANCHESTER: Board of Enquiry, Court Martial of surviving officers and crew and discontinuance of Courts Martial under section 92 of Naval Discipline Act for the duration of the war. 1942/43 ADM156/211 Torpedoing and scuttling of HMS MANCHESTER: Board of Enquiry, Court Martial of surviving officers and crew and discontinuance of Courts Martial under section 92 of Naval Discipline Act for the duration of the war. 1944/45 ADM156/212 Attacks on HM Minesweepers by friendly aircraft: Court Martial. 1944/45 ADM156/213 Attacks on HM Minesweepers by friendly aircraft: Court Martial. 1940/41 ADM156/214 Court Martial of Acting P.O. G J James of HMS PEMBROKE: guilty of making remarks and statements favourable to the enemy and subversive of Naval discipline 1940/43 ADM156/215 Court Martial of A/B E J Bailey of HMS ROYAL SOVEREIGN for containing information contravening the Official Secrets Act
1941
ADM156/216 Court Martial of Temporary Lieutenant B Palmer RNVR for the hazard and loss of HMS MERCURY
1941 ADM156/217 Court Martial of Lieutenant T Powell RNR for hazarding HMS DAUNTLESS: Admiralty letter to Commanders-in-Chief on procedures for challenging darkened ships 1941 ADM156/218 Court Martial of Commander W J Tucker RNR for loss of HMS CORFIELD: officer reprimanded and dismissed his ship 1941 ADM156/219 Board of Inquiry and Court Martial of Temporary Lieutenant P E Brown for sinking of netlayer HMS TONBRIDGE 1941/42 ADM156/220 Court Martial of Stoker E E Carterton for murder: found guilty of man-slaughter 1941/42 ADM156/221 Board of Inquiry on loss of HMIS PARVATI: award of decoration to navigation officer Sub Lieutenant Jai Shankar Mera RINR 1941/42 ADM156/222 Court Martial of Pensioner PO Writer W H Daltrey: suspension of sentence on technical legal grounds 1941/42 ADM156/223 Court Martial of Acting Temporary Captain G E Salter, RM for fraudulent misapplication of public funds: appeals and petitions regarding sentence and court martial proceedings 1941/42/49/57 ADM156/224 Court Martial of Temporary Sub Lieutenant A G C Franklin and others at Singapore for deserting posts and acts prejudicial to good order and naval discipline in the vicinity of the enemy 1942 ADM156/225 Court Martial of Commander St J J R Tyrwhitt for abandonment of HMS FORESIGHT: honourably acquitted; abolition of this term proposed 1942 ADM156/226 Court Martial of Ord Seaman R P Boyle for desertion from HMS VICTORY: found guilty; but sentence annulled on point of law 1942 ADM156/227 Court Martial of Commander the Hon J H Waldergrove and others for negligently or by default hazarding HMS PUNJABI 1942/43 ADM156/228 Court Martial of Stoker R Haslem for manslaughter of Italian prisoner of war: request that the sentence be considered not approved 1943 ADM156/229 Court Martial of A/B R A Walton (Canadian citizen) for desertion from HMS SCYLLA: mitigating circumstances man's repeated attempt to transfer to Royal Canadian Navy: Admiralty policy on transfer to Dominion Navies in wartime promulgated 1943 ADM156/230 Court martial of Sub Lieutenant J B Leeming RNR of HMS HERON for acts prejudicial to good order and naval discipline: low and dangerous flying outside the practice area 1943 ADM156/231 Court Martial of Temporary Lieutenant T J Paull, RNR of HMS ASBURY: drunk on shore at Bermuda and guilty of conduct unbecoming to the character of an officer: charges not proved 1945 ADM156/232 Court Martial of Fireman W Croft for murder: sentenced to death: sentence not carried out until confirmed by the Admiralty, report by Sir Bernard Spilsbury on victim 1942 ADM156/233 Court Martial of Able Seaman G Godwin for manslaughter of R Bradshaw: sentence reduced 1943/44 ADM156/234 Petition submitted on behalf of Able Seaman G Godwin to be excused reporting on licence, after discharge 1942/44 ADM156/235 Court Martial of Able Seaman M Carr charged with maliciously wounding Superior Officer 1943/44 ADM156/236 Court Martial of Skipper R W Denny RNR for loss of HMS KINGSTON JACINTH. Web Authors note. A skipper was the old name for a Sub Lieutenant. 1943/44 ADM156/237 Court Martial of Acting Sub Lieutenant O C Fink RNVR charged with fraudulent conversion and neglect of duties 1943/44 ADM156/238 Assaults on members of Staff at Canterbury detention quarters: Court Martial of Ordinary Seamen M Duffy 1943/44 ADM156/239 Court Martial of Stoker First Class J E Charles for murder of A J C Beament: found guilty of manslaughter 1944 ADM156/240 Court Martial of Able Seaman W N Tinkler for shooting A Taylor: acquitted 1944 ADM156/241 Court Martial of Able Seaman G Jeffery for manslaughter of H J Tansley. 1944 ADM156/242 Court Martial of Ordinary Seaman F E Williams for desertion 1944 ADM156/243 Court Martial of Stoker First Class W A Fletcher for manslaughter: sentence annulled 1944 ADM156/244 Court Martial of Temporary Acting Lieutenant (SP) H Wescott for breaches of security 1944 ADM156/245 Court Martial of Temporary Lieutenant E S Ross for loss of HMAS WALLAROO 1944 ADM156/246 Court Martial of Sub Lieutenant (A) J Incley for neglect and damaging aircraft material 1944 ADM156/247 Court Martial of Temporary Petty Officer H Sargent for contravening leave regulations 1944 ADM156/248 Court Martial of Stoker Petty Officer G V Sawney for improperly taking leave of his ship 1944 ADM156/249 Board of Inquiry into cause of death of Lance Corporal R D T Coo 1944 ADM156/250 Court Martial of Ordinary Seaman T Ferguson for using violence against a superior officer 1942/43 ADM156/251 Court Martial of acting leading stoker (temp) A R Gordon, and stoker E J Elias of Royal Australian Navy for murder of stoker J Riley 1942/43 ADM156/252 Court Martial of Lt Cdr G R G Watkins DSO, DSC, RN for grounding of HMS HAVOCK on Tunisian coast 1942/44 ADM156/253 Court Martial of Capt G F Stevens-Guille DSO and Bar, OBE, RN, accused of stranding HMS DURBAN at Kilindini, including Court Martial of temp Lts. W G Gill RNVR, and G B Angus, DSC, RNVR, for stranding of HMS SOUTHERN PRIDE 1943 ADM156/254 Loss of HM Trawler KINGSTON JACINTH damaged by an explosion and abandoned: Court Martial of Lt N H Mangnall, RNVR accused of negligence on duty 1943 ADM156/255 Court Martial of D Thompson Ellis, ordinary Telegraphist of HMS PRESIDENT III accused of disclosing secret information 1943 ADM156/256 Court Martial of D A Rome, assistant steward of HMS FERRET, held at RN Barracks Ebrington Londonderry: Question of legality of constitution of Court 1943/44 ADM156/257 Disciplinary court: proceedings of trials of Temp Lt J K Macbeth, RCNVR, Temp Sub Lt R G Mortimore, RNVR, and Temp Sub Lt F Angus, RCNVR all of HMCS NIOBE, accused of sailing landing craft without authority 1944 ADM156/258A Report of Court Martial of Sub Lt A N Davies, RN accused of indecent assault on board HMS JAMAICA: remarks by Naval Law Branch 1944/45 ADM156/258B Mutiny on board HMS LOTHIAN: minutes of proceedings at Court Martial of Able Seaman J Necrews: appeal for reduction of sentence 1944/45 ADM156/259 Mutiny on board HMS LOTHIAN: minutes of proceedings at Court Martial of Lt Cdr K W Buckel, RN; appeal against sentence 1944/45 ADM156/260 Desertion and absence without leave: submissions by C-in-C Portsmouth and Commanding Officer HMS WARSPITE. Case of Able Seaman A M Dover of HMS PEMBROKE tried by Court Martial on charge of desertion 1945 ADM156/261 Court Martial of Able Seaman D McQuade, RN of HMS ELAND, accused of seven offences: report of proceedings 1945/46 ADM156/262 Court Martials of Able Seaman Dawood EL Assi of HMS NILE and Abdel Hadi Omar Zaben of HMS STAG charged with attempting to smuggle drugs into Egypt 1945/46 ADM156/263 Verdict of not proved in charge against Ty Act Lieut Comdr H E Bell RNVR for theft of government stores 1945/46 ADM156/264 Verdict of not proved in charge against Ty Act Lieut Comdr H E Bell RNVR for theft of government stores 1945/46 ADM156/265 Petition and appeal against sentence on Ty Lieut G E Hobson RNVR of HMS ODYSSEY for refusal to join ship and absence without leave 1945/46 ADM156/266 Petition and oral representation to Judge Advocate to the Fleet against sentence on Lieut Comdr (S) C Hall RNVR HMS NILE for fraudulent use of public money and trafficking in currency
| YEAR | ADMIRALTY NUMBER | SUBJECT |
|---|---|---|
| 1939 | ADM156/195 | Board of Enquiry into loss of HMS COURAGEOUS following submarine attack: criticism of Commander C. Woodhouse, RN |
| 1940 | ADM156/197 | Disclosure of secret naval information to unauthorised persons: case of Lt. Cdr. C. Crawshay, RN |
| 1940 | ADM156/198 | Audible discussion of secret naval matters in public place: case of Sub-Lieut. G.C. Ames, RNVR |
| 1940 | ADM156/199 | Loss of HMS SUSSEX: Board of Enquiry and subsequent Court Martial of Capt. R.V. Symonds Taylor, Cdr. A.M. Else and Cdr.(E) H.M. Millet, RN |
| 1940 | ADM156/200 | Loss of HMS SUSSEX: Board of Enquiry and subsequent Court Martial of Capt. R.V. Symonds Taylor, Cdr. A.M. Else and Cdr.(E) H.M. Millet, RN |
| 1940 | ADM156/201 | Hazarding and Stranding of HMS SALVAGE KING: termination of T.124T, agreement of Temporary Lieutenant Robert Hill RNR. |
| 1941/42 | ADM156/202 | Sabotage in HMS MYOSOTIS: reduction of sentences passed on Leading Seaman S.E.Bucknole and Able Seaman T. Vallance |
| 1941/42 | ADM156/203 | Loss of HMS ARK ROYAL: Board of Enquiry and Court Martial of Captain L.E.H. Maund RN. |
| 1941/42 | ADM156/204 | Loss of HMS ARK ROYAL: Board of Enquiry and Court Martial of Captain L.E.H. Maund RN. |
| 1941/42 | ADM156/205 | Loss of HMS ARK ROYAL: Board of Enquiry and Court Martial of Captain L.E.H. Maund RN. |
| 1941/42 | ADM156/206 | Loss of HMS ARK ROYAL: Board of Enquiry and Court Martial of Captain L.E.H. Maund RN. |
| 1942 | ADM156/207 | Loss of HMS ARK ROYAL: Enquiry by Second Bucknill Committee. |
| 1942 | ADM156/208 | Disclosure of most secret information: Temporary Lieutenant L.C. Head RNR HMS DINOSAUR. |
| 1942/43 | ADM156/209 | Torpedoing and scuttling of HMS MANCHESTER: Board of Enquiry, Court Martial of surviving officers and crew and discontinuance of Courts Martial under section 92 of Naval Discipline Act for the duration of the war. |
| 1942/43 | ADM156/210 | Torpedoing and scuttling of HMS MANCHESTER: Board of Enquiry, Court Martial of surviving officers and crew and discontinuance of Courts Martial under section 92 of Naval Discipline Act for the duration of the war. |
| 1942/43 | ADM156/211 | Torpedoing and scuttling of HMS MANCHESTER: Board of Enquiry, Court Martial of surviving officers and crew and discontinuance of Courts Martial under section 92 of Naval Discipline Act for the duration of the war. |
| 1944/45 | ADM156/212 | Attacks on HM Minesweepers by friendly aircraft: Court Martial. |
| 1944/45 | ADM156/213 | Attacks on HM Minesweepers by friendly aircraft: Court Martial. |
| 1940/41 | ADM156/214 | Court Martial of Acting P.O. G J James of HMS PEMBROKE: guilty of making remarks and statements favourable to the enemy and subversive of Naval discipline |
| 1940/43 | ADM156/215 | Court Martial of A/B E J Bailey of HMS ROYAL SOVEREIGN for containing information contravening the Official Secrets Act |
| 1941 | ADM156/216 | Court Martial of Temporary Lieutenant B Palmer RNVR for the hazard and loss of HMS MERCURY |
| 1941 | ADM156/217 | Court Martial of Lieutenant T Powell RNR for hazarding HMS DAUNTLESS: Admiralty letter to Commanders-in-Chief on procedures for challenging darkened ships |
| 1941 | ADM156/218 | Court Martial of Commander W J Tucker RNR for loss of HMS CORFIELD: officer reprimanded and dismissed his ship |
| 1941 | ADM156/219 | Board of Inquiry and Court Martial of Temporary Lieutenant P E Brown for sinking of netlayer HMS TONBRIDGE |
| 1941/42 | ADM156/220 | Court Martial of Stoker E E Carterton for murder: found guilty of man-slaughter |
| 1941/42 | ADM156/221 | Board of Inquiry on loss of HMIS PARVATI: award of decoration to navigation officer Sub Lieutenant Jai Shankar Mera RINR |
| 1941/42 | ADM156/222 | Court Martial of Pensioner PO Writer W H Daltrey: suspension of sentence on technical legal grounds |
| 1941/42 | ADM156/223 | Court Martial of Acting Temporary Captain G E Salter, RM for fraudulent misapplication of public funds: appeals and petitions regarding sentence and court martial proceedings |
| 1941/42/49/57 | ADM156/224 | Court Martial of Temporary Sub Lieutenant A G C Franklin and others at Singapore for deserting posts and acts prejudicial to good order and naval discipline in the vicinity of the enemy |
| 1942 | ADM156/225 | Court Martial of Commander St J J R Tyrwhitt for abandonment of HMS FORESIGHT: honourably acquitted; abolition of this term proposed |
| 1942 | ADM156/226 | Court Martial of Ord Seaman R P Boyle for desertion from HMS VICTORY: found guilty; but sentence annulled on point of law |
| 1942 | ADM156/227 | Court Martial of Commander the Hon J H Waldergrove and others for negligently or by default hazarding HMS PUNJABI |
| 1942/43 | ADM156/228 | Court Martial of Stoker R Haslem for manslaughter of Italian prisoner of war: request that the sentence be considered not approved |
| 1943 | ADM156/229 | Court Martial of A/B R A Walton (Canadian citizen) for desertion from HMS SCYLLA: mitigating circumstances man's repeated attempt to transfer to Royal Canadian Navy: Admiralty policy on transfer to Dominion Navies in wartime promulgated |
| 1943 | ADM156/230 | Court martial of Sub Lieutenant J B Leeming RNR of HMS HERON for acts prejudicial to good order and naval discipline: low and dangerous flying outside the practice area |
| 1943 | ADM156/231 | Court Martial of Temporary Lieutenant T J Paull, RNR of HMS ASBURY: drunk on shore at Bermuda and guilty of conduct unbecoming to the character of an officer: charges not proved |
| 1945 | ADM156/232 | Court Martial of Fireman W Croft for murder: sentenced to death: sentence not carried out until confirmed by the Admiralty, report by Sir Bernard Spilsbury on victim |
| 1942 | ADM156/233 | Court Martial of Able Seaman G Godwin for manslaughter of R Bradshaw: sentence reduced |
| 1943/44 | ADM156/234 | Petition submitted on behalf of Able Seaman G Godwin to be excused reporting on licence, after discharge |
| 1942/44 | ADM156/235 | Court Martial of Able Seaman M Carr charged with maliciously wounding Superior Officer |
| 1943/44 | ADM156/236 | Court Martial of Skipper R W Denny RNR for loss of HMS KINGSTON JACINTH. Web Authors note. A skipper was the old name for a Sub Lieutenant. |
| 1943/44 | ADM156/237 | Court Martial of Acting Sub Lieutenant O C Fink RNVR charged with fraudulent conversion and neglect of duties |
| 1943/44 | ADM156/238 | Assaults on members of Staff at Canterbury detention quarters: Court Martial of Ordinary Seamen M Duffy |
| 1943/44 | ADM156/239 | Court Martial of Stoker First Class J E Charles for murder of A J C Beament: found guilty of manslaughter |
| 1944 | ADM156/240 | Court Martial of Able Seaman W N Tinkler for shooting A Taylor: acquitted |
| 1944 | ADM156/241 | Court Martial of Able Seaman G Jeffery for manslaughter of H J Tansley. |
| 1944 | ADM156/242 | Court Martial of Ordinary Seaman F E Williams for desertion |
| 1944 | ADM156/243 | Court Martial of Stoker First Class W A Fletcher for manslaughter: sentence annulled |
| 1944 | ADM156/244 | Court Martial of Temporary Acting Lieutenant (SP) H Wescott for breaches of security |
| 1944 | ADM156/245 | Court Martial of Temporary Lieutenant E S Ross for loss of HMAS WALLAROO |
| 1944 | ADM156/246 | Court Martial of Sub Lieutenant (A) J Incley for neglect and damaging aircraft material |
| 1944 | ADM156/247 | Court Martial of Temporary Petty Officer H Sargent for contravening leave regulations |
| 1944 | ADM156/248 | Court Martial of Stoker Petty Officer G V Sawney for improperly taking leave of his ship |
| 1944 | ADM156/249 | Board of Inquiry into cause of death of Lance Corporal R D T Coo |
| 1944 | ADM156/250 | Court Martial of Ordinary Seaman T Ferguson for using violence against a superior officer |
| 1942/43 | ADM156/251 | Court Martial of acting leading stoker (temp) A R Gordon, and stoker E J Elias of Royal Australian Navy for murder of stoker J Riley |
| 1942/43 | ADM156/252 | Court Martial of Lt Cdr G R G Watkins DSO, DSC, RN for grounding of HMS HAVOCK on Tunisian coast |
| 1942/44 | ADM156/253 | Court Martial of Capt G F Stevens-Guille DSO and Bar, OBE, RN, accused of stranding HMS DURBAN at Kilindini, including Court Martial of temp Lts. W G Gill RNVR, and G B Angus, DSC, RNVR, for stranding of HMS SOUTHERN PRIDE |
| 1943 | ADM156/254 | Loss of HM Trawler KINGSTON JACINTH damaged by an explosion and abandoned: Court Martial of Lt N H Mangnall, RNVR accused of negligence on duty |
| 1943 | ADM156/255 | Court Martial of D Thompson Ellis, ordinary Telegraphist of HMS PRESIDENT III accused of disclosing secret information |
| 1943 | ADM156/256 | Court Martial of D A Rome, assistant steward of HMS FERRET, held at RN Barracks Ebrington Londonderry: Question of legality of constitution of Court |
| 1943/44 | ADM156/257 | Disciplinary court: proceedings of trials of Temp Lt J K Macbeth, RCNVR, Temp Sub Lt R G Mortimore, RNVR, and Temp Sub Lt F Angus, RCNVR all of HMCS NIOBE, accused of sailing landing craft without authority |
| 1944 | ADM156/258A | Report of Court Martial of Sub Lt A N Davies, RN accused of indecent assault on board HMS JAMAICA: remarks by Naval Law Branch |
| 1944/45 | ADM156/258B | Mutiny on board HMS LOTHIAN: minutes of proceedings at Court Martial of Able Seaman J Necrews: appeal for reduction of sentence |
| 1944/45 | ADM156/259 | Mutiny on board HMS LOTHIAN: minutes of proceedings at Court Martial of Lt Cdr K W Buckel, RN; appeal against sentence |
| 1944/45 | ADM156/260 | Desertion and absence without leave: submissions by C-in-C Portsmouth and Commanding Officer HMS WARSPITE. Case of Able Seaman A M Dover of HMS PEMBROKE tried by Court Martial on charge of desertion |
| 1945 | ADM156/261 | Court Martial of Able Seaman D McQuade, RN of HMS ELAND, accused of seven offences: report of proceedings |
| 1945/46 | ADM156/262 | Court Martials of Able Seaman Dawood EL Assi of HMS NILE and Abdel Hadi Omar Zaben of HMS STAG charged with attempting to smuggle drugs into Egypt |
| 1945/46 | ADM156/263 | Verdict of not proved in charge against Ty Act Lieut Comdr H E Bell RNVR for theft of government stores |
| 1945/46 | ADM156/264 | Verdict of not proved in charge against Ty Act Lieut Comdr H E Bell RNVR for theft of government stores |
| 1945/46 | ADM156/265 | Petition and appeal against sentence on Ty Lieut G E Hobson RNVR of HMS ODYSSEY for refusal to join ship and absence without leave |
| 1945/46 | ADM156/266 | Petition and oral representation to Judge Advocate to the Fleet against sentence on Lieut Comdr (S) C Hall RNVR HMS NILE for fraudulent use of public money and trafficking in currency |