Wolfgang - Historical note refers to the Great War of 1914/18.

Some 200 + British "Deserters" were officially shot after Court Martial for desertion. Some reprts suggest that rather more were shot out of hand. Those days "shell shock", "Battle fatigue" were not acepted as a medical diagnosis.

Redcaps were military police, in this context they were used to seal the front off and prevent desertion. Later they were actually stationed in the trenches to force the troops out if neccessary.

in that era, the age of School leaving in the UK was 14. You could sign on at sea at that age. In theory you could not go for a solidier untill you were 18 . Some recruiting Seargents were not over zealous on enforcing that age limit. Boys could join the Army at an earlier age, but they could not be sent overseas on active service untill they passed 18.

This gave the senario described here, a 17 year old who breaks under pressure, court martialed, sentanced to death, and shot as soon as he turns 18. Actually not as far fetched as it sounds. 16 and 17 year old deserters were shot "To encourage the Others"

Gareth