Other Fiction Reynolds, George W.M.: The Soldier's Wife. v1. 14.9.2017

[melaulur]

Written in 1852-53, Reynold's novel is a powerful indictment of the corporal punishment with the "cat-o'-nine-tails" in the British Army.
Set in early Victorian England, the account of the hero's recruitment, the 500 lashes he receives twice, and his execution by firing squad, is wrapped in a melodramatic love story.
The Army finally abolished flogging in 1956, the Royal Navy followed in 1967.
(Daily Mail, London, 10 May 1967)



Extract:

"The victim was not dead. Though pierced by several balls, life yet
lingered in him; his hands waved like the fins of a fish when taken out
of the water and in the last agonies of death. The Drum-Major had four
more loaded muskets at hand: these he promptly ordered the four oldest
and steadiest of the firing-party to take. They obeyed him -- obeyed
also the few rapidly whispered instructions he gave: and hastening
towards the prostrate form of their comrade, they placed the muzzles to
his head and poured in the last volley, crashing his skull and
scattering his brains upon the ground where he lay. If the former acts
of the tragedy were hideous and horrible, this last one was satanic,
hellish, and damnable!"

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