PAIR: British War and Victory Medal, both correctly impressed to 2437 SPR R. W. ULPH 3 TUN COY A.I.F.

PAIR: British War and Victory Medal, both correctly impressed to 2437 SPR R. W. ULPH 3 TUN COY A.I.F.

EMB: 31^st March 1916 with the No 1 Mining Corps - 2 and 3 Reinforcements (March-April 1916)

Wounded accidently in the foot 27^th October 1917

On the 18^th October 1918 was charged with Mutiny along with 12 others. The official charge read “Joining in a mutiny in Forces belonging to His Majesty’s Australian Imperial Forces in that they in the field on the 25^th September 1918 joined in a mutiny by combining among themselves to disobey the orders of their superior officers in the execution of their duty”

Initially being sentenced to 1 year hard labour (13^th October) after review or appeal it seems it was increased to 2 years (17^th October). Possibly due to their skill as miners they were sent back to the front where they were needed at the same time their sentences were being finalised. After further reviews and postponements they were finally sentenced with loss of pay.

The whole ordeal seemed to be over an order previously given that all soldiers were to carry their pay books on them whilst on the front line. This is well documented and easy to find by searching 2437 Ulph in your search engine and it is well worth a read. A bizarre occurrence over a trivial matter with such a harsh sentence, which by the final outcome it seems was probably agreed with by some in command. One of the members charged was also a DCM winner.

RTA: 3^rd March 1919

VF $575