If a soldier was to try to flee from a battle of do anything or that sort, what would their punishment be? (WWII)
In one case it was death. Usually they would be courtmartialed and imprisoned.
Here is an excellent site that will give you all the possibilities. Be sure to used the link to the Eddie Slovak incident.
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Military-History-669/Short-AWOL-2.htm
Much would depend upon whether anyone missed him (there were no female soldiers in that war)and where in the war they were. In Europe, there was a lot of confusion as companies were involved in fighting in fog, snow, or darkness. In the Pacific, the fighting was fierce and soldiers would have to avoid the Japanese army that was dug in in caves and holes. It wasn't hard for men to get lost.
Occassionally, in any battlefield, soldiers would become separated from their units due to the confusion of battle and lack of good communications. If they found or were found by another unit, they were accepted there until their own unit could be found or contacted. It wasn't unusual for entire units to be wiped out or have only a few soldiers left.
If a soldier "disappeared" on purpose, he would be considered MIA for a while. If he was seen elsewhere or somehow was known to have gone AWOL, he was considered a deserter and could be shot.
Thanks GuruBlue & Lehrerin Sagt
You are welcome <G>
In World War II, the punishment for a soldier who attempted to flee from a battle or engage in actions considered disobedient or cowardly varied depending on the military and the circumstances. It is important to note that different nations had their own regulations and approaches to discipline within their armed forces. However, I can provide a general understanding of the possible punishments that soldiers could face during WWII.
1. Military Tribunal: Soldiers who deserted or engaged in acts of cowardice could be subject to a military trial or tribunal. If found guilty, they could face severe penalties, including imprisonment, hard labor, or even execution.
2. Court-Martial: Court-martial is a legal proceeding conducted by the military against service members accused of serious offenses. Soldiers charged with desertion or cowardice could be brought before a court-martial, where they would be tried by military officers. Penalties could range from incarceration to death, depending on the severity of the offense.
3. Field Punishments: In some cases, soldiers might face immediate disciplinary action in the field. This could involve physical punishment, such as extra duties, solitary confinement, or even physical abuse. These punishments were often carried out as a way to maintain discipline and enforce obedience.
It is important to emphasize that the severity of punishments could vary depending on the circumstances and the policies of the jurisdiction involved. While execution was a possible punishment, it was not the typical outcome for soldiers who attempted to flee. Other factors, such as mental health or extenuating circumstances, could also influence the punishment handed out.
Overall, the punishment for soldiers who attempted to flee from a battle or engaged in disobedient actions during World War II was often severe, reflecting the seriousness with which military organizations regarded discipline and the integrity of their troops.