Bitisch Captain murderd by GI in July 1920 Rhens-Coblenz/Germany
 

Hello,
this case is very strange!! I get the file from the US Provost Marshall Service. Only still a few questions, but where can I get more infos about the britisch Captain? I have the name, and the names of two more britisch officers involved in this case (Assault, Break In the house of the Britisch quarter at night!!!!) The GI where members with an Bakery Companie!!
Bests,
h.

Re: Bitisch Captain murderd by GI in July 1920 Rhens-Coblenz/Germany
 

Hello,
Not sure but this sounds like the Sir Eric Teichtman ( not sure of spelling ?) event.
I expect that by now you have found these two websites -
thefithfield.com
And
Capitalpunishmentintheuk.org.
Alex

Re: Bitisch Captain murderd by GI in July 1920 Rhens-Coblenz/Germany
 

Hello Alex,
interesting case, but the victim was Capt. George Lanzefield, another british Captian was also wounded, it looks like this officers where members of the IMKK Commison at Coblenz/Germany.
h.

Re: Bitisch Captain murderd by GI in July 1920 Rhens-Coblenz/Germany
 

Hello,
My error, I had not noticed the heading that quoted July 1920 :(

However, I found the following from the www.

New York Times 5th November 1921.
5 men in Leavenworth were pardoned and their names were-
James A. O'Dell; Roy O. Young blood; George Van Gilder; Carl J. Bryan; Jim B. Richardson.

Name of said victim is spelt LANCEFIELD ?

Alex

Re: Bitisch Captain murderd by GI in July 1920 Rhens-Coblenz/Germany
 

Alex,

correct, one Sgt., one Cpl. and the rest where Privates, all members at the
Occupationforce at Coblence. I missed the motiv for the crime, what was the reason for five US enlisted men, break at night in an house (German owned) and murder one britisch Officer, wounded another one??????
And for what reason they get pardoned? for an homicide first class???

Where can I find out where the victim was rested for peace? At his hometown or at one for the Britisch Cemetary at France?

Any help are most welcome!!
hans

Re: Bitisch Captain murderd by GI in July 1920 Rhens-Coblenz/Germany
 

Hello,
It seems that it was death as a result of an argument in a Cafe, where a vase was thrown and sadly he was fatally hit by it. So nothing to do with a house break in.
In addition I found on the internet that the victim may well be named Gilbert Lancefield and not George Lancefield.
Alex

Re: Bitisch Captain murderd by GI in July 1920 Rhens-Coblenz/Germany
 

Hello Alex,

I get the Trial from the US Military Court at Coblenz. All five where guilty for murder!!! But, both the MP, the Provost Marshall etc. did an very bad job!!!
No idea what the defence lawyer also did! This was the reason that two US Senators where involed with the case and at least all five pardoned with full honour and pay back for the time in Leavenworth.

I only need more information about Capt. Lancefield.

Bests,
h.

Re: Bitisch Captain murderd by GI in July 1920 Rhens-Coblenz/Germany
 

He is listed in some reports as "George W Lancefield"


There is a George William Lancefield born Nantwich 1890

He has a medal and pension file

I do not know if it is the same person

I have also seen him listed as Gilbert Lancefield

Café was in "Rhens. Germany" and said to be in June, 1920