A Denaby Absentee

At the Doncaster West Riding Court on Monday, private Harry Maughan of Denaby, was charged with being absent without leave.

It was stated that he had his escape from the yard at the Guildhall, where he was being detained to await an escort. He enlisted in the New York and Lancaster Regiment, and was transferred to the 2/7 Northumberland fusiliers which he is alleged to have deserted.

After scaling a high wall at the Guildhall he parted with his military garments and assumed civilian clothing. He then made for Denaby, and obtained 17s. 6d from his wife to defray his railway expenses, but before he could getaway PC Hudson apprehended him, and lodged him in the Conisbrough police station. Whilst there he made two attempts to escape, and had to be handcuffed to prevent any further trouble.

The magistrates ordered the soldier to be handed over to the military authorities, and £1 was granted to the Police Constable for his smartness in preventing his escape.