17th Essex - Absconders and deserters
Suprisingly few men deserted or were absent without leave for long periods from Battalions in the front line. Those who did so oftyen failed to return after home leave rather than walking from the front line.
There were a large number of absentees from home based units or men who failed to heed th call of conscription.
These men were listed in the Police gazette and liable to arrest by civilian or military police.
The reasons were varied as was length of service - many were newly called up but a number were experience veterans .
By the time that a listing in the Police gazette was made there normally had been an extended period and normal meothids had been exhausted.
As examples of the listing The below men from 17th Essex were among those listed as wanted.
Private 37673 J Lee Listed on 15 September 1917
Private 38706 H Eagles listed on 4 December 1917
Private 401175 J Pashley dseerted from Weyborne on 2 April 1918 . Pte Pashley was a 23 yr old music teacher from Macnhester who had enlisted on 1 March 1916.
Private 55931 R McCarthy deserted from Weyborne on 13 May 1918. Pte McCarthy was a 43 yr olf collier from the Rhonda who had enlisted on 7 September 1914.
