Private William Henry Simmonds (G/11296), Middlesex Regiment, was tried with desertion at a Field General Court Martial held on 19 November 1916 at Poperinghe. The court consisted of a President and three members.
The court consisted of a President and three members.
| PRESIDENT | Lieutenant-Colonel W.F. Soames (10th R.W. Kents) |
| MEMBERS | Captain E.G. Bowden (11th Queens) |
| 2nd Lieutenant O.F. Dowson (47th Div) | |
| 2nd Lieutenant G.G. Samuel (10th R.W. Kents) |
Charge: Desertion.
Pleaded: Not Guilty.
Verdict: Guilty.
The accused had several previous convictions which were read to the courts-martial before sentence was passed.
| DATE | OFFENCE | SENTENCE |
| 14/04/16 | Overstayed his leave by 5 hours | 10 days CB & Fine 10 days pay |
| 28/04/16 | Dirty on parade | 3 days CB |
| 03/05/16 | Deserted | 5 years Penal Servitude (commuted to 90 days FP) |
Sentence: Death by Shooting.
Executed: 1 December 1916 at 7 am.
William Simmonds is buried in Poperinghe New Military Cemetery, Grave Reference II.E.9.