Stanley James Woodbridge was born on 29 August 1921 in Chelsea, London, the son of James Henry and May Ashman Woodbridge, and the wife of Florence Edith Woodbridge, of Chingford, Essex. At the time of his death, Flight Sergeant Woodbridge was a member of 159 Squadron, based at RAF Digri, Bengal, India. On 31 January… Continue reading Stanley Woodbridge, GC
Category: WW2
Pooley’s Revenge
Private Albert Leonard Pooley (2023903), originally from Southall, was a regular soldier in the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Norfolk Regiment. With the rest of his comrades, Pooly had gone to France as part of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF). It was through his dedicated desire to avenge his murdered comrades, that Lieutenant-Colonel Fritz Knoechlein… Continue reading Pooley’s Revenge
William Joyce
The case of William Joyce must be one of the most famous treason trials in British legal history. Due to the legal issues involved, the case went to the House of Lords (the highest English court). Joyce did not deny that he committed the acts alleged, he denied that he had a duty of allegiance… Continue reading William Joyce
John Amery
John Amery was born on 14 March 1912, the son of Rt. Hon. Leo Amery, MP and Florence Amery. His younger brother was Julian Amery. John Amery pleaded guilty at his treason trial, which meant his court appearance lasted for just eight minutes. THE BRITISH FREE CORPS John Amery was captured by Italian Partisans at… Continue reading John Amery
Theodore Schurch
Only one British soldier was executed under the Treachery Act 1940: Theodore John William Schurch. Both William Joyce and John Amery were convicted and executed for high treason – a different offence. Theodore John William Schurch was born on 5 May 1918 at the Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital, Hammersmith, London, while his Swiss father… Continue reading Theodore Schurch
Duncan Scott-Ford
Duncan Alexander Croall Scott-Ford was born on 4 September 1921, as Duncan Alexander Croall Smith, in a house in Clyde Street, Devonport. His Father, Duncan Scott Smith, was a sick bay attendant in the Royal Navy. His Mother was Mary Isabella Ferrett Croall. She registered her son’s birth on 28 September 1921. When their son… Continue reading Duncan Scott-Ford
George Armstrong
George Armstrong was one of only three British subjects who were sentenced to death and executed under the Treachery Act 1940. The other two were Duncan Scott-Ford and Theodore Schurch. George Johnson Armstrong was a British engineer born in Newcastle. At his trial on 8 May 1941, before Mr. Justice Lewis, Armstrong was charged with… Continue reading George Armstrong
Josef Jakobs
The details in this section deal with the case of Josef Jakobs; the last person to be executed at the Tower of London. JOSEF JACKOBS’ FINAL PETITION COURT MEMBERSJosef Jakobs’ courts-martial was convened by Lieutenant-General Sir Bertram N. Sergison-Brooke, KCVO, CB, CMG, DSO, commanding London District. The trial was held at Duke of York’s HQ,… Continue reading Josef Jakobs
1939-45 Espionage
This section deals with people who spied for Germany during the Second World War, and were convicted and subsequently executed under the Treachery Act 1940, for their activities. All the people except Jakobs and Schurch, were tried before a judge and 12-person jury at The Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey) London. Both Jakobs and Schurch… Continue reading 1939-45 Espionage
Treason and Treachery
This article explains the important difference between two pieces of legislation used to execute people for their activities during World War Two. These two acts of Parliament are the High Treason Act 1351 (Amended 1945) and the Treachery Act 1940. High Treason Act 1351 (Amended 1945)High Treason (the highest form of treason – against the… Continue reading Treason and Treachery