Source: File: Anti-Aircraft Guns at the rear front of Kenwood House, Hampstead
Heath. [online] Available at:
<http://www.hampsteadheath.net/hampstead-ww1-training---defence.html> Accessed: 29 September 2015].
In the outcome of
a case,
That involved a
gun station
Photograph taken by
a young
Belgian man; who
was found
Both guilty and
not guilty.
On remand the 19
year old,
George Waltjens had then
On 18 September, made
A trip to a place in London -
Being a site of a gun station.
Before witnesses, he aimed
His camera to catch a picture
of the defences - openly
In front of those on duty,
Without any criminal intent.
On behalf of the Comite de
Protection
des Soldats
Reformes, Mr E. G.
Lewis
Stood for the defence -
Pointed out acts stupidity.
Of good character, George
Waltjens served in the Army
Of Belgium - to be temporarily
Invalided out, with bronchitis
And problems of the heart.
As a soldier he was in receipt
From the Belgium Government
For 14s a week - being briefly
Employed by a Gentleman
Of Belgium, as a bank clerk.
Magistrate Hopkins heard
A good report of a Belgium
Officer and his employer -
Who was happy to continue
Employing George Waltjens.
An agreement was conceived
That there was no evidence
Suggesting any ill intent - but
People should not assume
To take pictures of defences -
Without permission gained
From such establishments,
And be able to walk free -
The Realm's Defence Act
Was not a 'dead letter.'
Persons with disregard for
The Act, had to be seen
To take punishment - stated
Lt-commander Sinclair,
On behalf of Royal Navy.
With magistrate's sympathy
For the detained, the only
Way to avoid gaol was by
£25 fine - with time to pay -
Or two months in prison.
by Jamie Mann.
Anon.,1915. Gun
Station Photograph. [online] 28 September. P.5. Col.13. Available at:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/11885813/Daily-Telegraph-September-28-1915.html
[Accessed: 28 September 2015].
Mann, J., 2015. 100 years Ago - Poems by Jamie Mann. [letter] (Personal
communication, 28 September 2015).
#WW1 #WW1centenary #GreatWar #WW1poem #GreatWar #WW1centenary
#worldwarone #worldwaroneremembered #WW1London
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