Theodore Schurch facts for kids
Theodore William John Schurch (born May 5, 1918 – died January 4, 1946) was a British soldier during World War II. He was found guilty of serious actions against his country after the war ended. He was the last person in Britain to face the highest penalty for a crime that wasn't murder.
Quick facts for kids
Theodore William John Schurch
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 5 May 1918 |
| Died | 4 January 1946 (aged 27) Pentonville Prison, London, England
|
| Cause of death | Execution by hanging |
| Criminal status | Executed |
| Conviction(s) | Treachery (8 counts) Desertion with intent to join the enemy |
| Criminal penalty | Death |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom Nazi Germany Kingdom of Italy |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1936–1942 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | Royal Army Service Corps |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
Early Life and Army Service
Schurch was born in Hammersmith, London, on May 5, 1918. His father was from Switzerland. When he was a teenager, Schurch was part of a group called the British Union of Fascists. This group had political beliefs that were similar to those of the Nazi party in Germany.
In 1936, Schurch joined the British Army. He became a driver in the Royal Army Service Corps.
Working for the Enemy
In June 1942, during the North African campaign, Schurch was captured by enemy forces. This happened at a place called Tobruk. After being captured, he started working for both Italian and German intelligence groups. These groups were trying to get secret information.
Schurch would often pretend to be a prisoner of war. This helped him gain the trust of other Allied prisoners. He even gained the trust of important figures like Lieutenant Colonel Sir David Stirling. Stirling was famous for starting the Special Air Service, a special forces unit.
Trial and Outcome
Schurch was arrested in Rome in March 1945. He was accused of several serious actions against his country. He was also accused of leaving his army unit to join the enemy.
His trial took place in London in September 1945. It was a special military court called a court martial. During the trial, Schurch asked about the religion of the judges. He wanted one judge removed because he was Jewish. Schurch's lawyer explained that Schurch's fascist beliefs would cause problems with that judge. The request was allowed.
Even so, Schurch was found guilty of all the accusations. The law at the time meant he would face the highest penalty.
Schurch was the only British soldier to face this penalty for such actions during World War II. Other people, like Duncan Scott-Ford (a sailor) and civilians George Johnson Armstrong and Oswald John Job, also faced similar consequences. William Joyce and John Amery were also found guilty of very serious crimes against their country.
