I really do not have an axe to grind here as I do not know enough about the issue but, from a logical point of view, PFR's suggestions seems reasonable to me. Yes, I know full well it was not allowed and I know full well there are no records of it. As to there being no bodies, dates etc. I can only say that there were too many remains that were unidentified to make that a categorical statement.

I must agree with Teribus' facts and figures as those are verifiable. However I do not think that anyone can categorically say it never happened. It is probable, under the scenario that PFR describes, that it may have happened but it would be very isolated. I should think that it also happened that someone from the ranks was likely to kill an officer and, in the full flight of battle, get away with it. I am certain that there were no 'special squads' but I also doubt very much that it never happened in the heat of the moment and was covered up later. It happens in life, it is known as murder and undoubtedly some get away with it. I am sure the same happened occasionally on the battlefield when tempers were up. And just as the numbers are insignificant today they are even more so in the midst of all that death.

Can we not agree that it may have happened illegally on occasion but rather than being endemic it was simply a handful amongst the millions of dead? Just for peace sake?

DtG