Punishment of First World War soldiers for sexual orientation detailed in new study

Punishment of First World War soldiers for sexual orientation detailed in new study

'Frederick Hardy lost his life fighting for a country that imprisoned him and spent the last few months of his short life being tortured.'

Soldiers were punished for their sexual orientation during the Great War

At least 19 Canadian soldiers were in the case, including a 17-year-old Manitoban, according to a researcher.

Punishment of First World War soldiers for sexual orientation detailed in new study

Before he was killed in the First World War, Frederick Lea Hardy spent time in prison as a military punishment for his sexuality.

Punishment of First World War soldiers for sexual orientation detailed in new study

New research has uncovered the stories of 19 members of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, who were involved in consensual relationships but were arrested and tried for what was then known as gross indecency.

Punishment of First World War soldiers for sexual orientation detailed in new study

Frederick Lea Hardy died fighting for Canada at Vimy Ridge in the First World War. Shortly before being killed in action, the teenager spent time in prison doing hard labour as a military punishment for his sexuality.

Punishment of First World War soldiers for sexual orientation detailed in new study

The painful, often bleak, stories of these men were uncovered by Sarah Worthman while doing research at Veterans Affairs Canada.