A horse lover who suffered a terrible injustice
Item
Title
A horse lover who suffered a terrible injustice
Who?
A horse lover who suffered because of his kindness to animals.
Item(s)
None.
Story
Contributor’s aunt was brought up by Mr and Mrs William Franklin, originally from Norfolk. William worked for a removal company in London, working closely with horses. Believed he organised casual labour for the company. Volunteered in his 40s, he had the rank of sergeant and was in charge of a stable. Whilst looking after a horse that was suffering terribly from shell shock, he refused an order to saddle up the horse from a senior officer who wanted to ride the animal for recreation. William was subsequently court martialled, demoted to private and dispatched to a machine gun unit at the front. During a raid he was gassed and though he survived the war never fully recovered.
As a young girl the contributor remembers him as a sick man, quite disabled by his injury. He died in the 1940s. She also remembered that he received letters from his fellow troops commending his stance regarding the horse.
As a young girl the contributor remembers him as a sick man, quite disabled by his injury. He died in the 1940s. She also remembered that he received letters from his fellow troops commending his stance regarding the horse.
When?
1914-18
Where?
France
Contributor
The contributor wishes to remain anonymous.
Collection Day
The Lee, Bucks 23rd February 2019
Other Media
This item was submitted on March 10, 2019