Victor M. Spencer was one of the NZEF soldiers sentenced to death for desertion. He was on of the 5 NZ soldiers to be executed in the war. He was shot on 24th February 1918.
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Field Punishment was favoured by officials but was humiliating for soldiers.Field Punishment No.1 outlined that a soldier was to be tied up to and object with their hands and feet bound for up to 2 hours a day. It was to be for a maximum of 21 days in a 28 day period. A New Zealand conscientious objector names Archibald Baxter was subjected to this. His description explains the pain experienced, "I was strained so tightly up against the post that i was unable to move body or limbs a fraction of an inch." It was a popular choice of punishment as it could be easily carried out by a division on the move so a soldier could still be used during offensives. It was humiliating in that other soldiers were able to see you but this could be seen as a positive for the officers who would have believed that with other soldiers witnessing this, they would do all they can to make sure it does not happen to them. This meant following all orders and rules.
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An illustration of Field Punishment No.1. It was often called the 'Crucifixion' by soldiers due to the hands and feet being bound.
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