VC winner branded 'war criminal' - wore a German paratrooper's smock to dupe snipers

[Gibbo]

Sgt Hulme was a brave man who deserved his VC & does not deserve to be called a war criminal by people trying to sell books (or by anybody else for that matter).

[smc]

Time to play devil's advocate here.

I think some of you should re-read the article before jerking that knee into action. It is the guy who is director of peace studies who is making all the claims not Harper. All the author is saying is that Hulme was on dodgy ground re the Geneva Convention when he did what he did - see Jimbotosome's story about the germans at Bastone for a similar occurence. You have to remember that by and large the Western theatre still held and expected both sides to abide by some of the Geneva Convention, it was in the east where it was totally ignored. Furthermore, you are relying on a couple of newspaper articles to bring you the story both of which probably have an axe to grind against PC or those of a 'liberal' disposition and as someone has alluded you have publishers trying to sell the book. In my mind until I actually see a copy of that book I'm not going to react the way certain sections of the media are looking for people to react.

I see nobody has picked up that Harper holds the rank of Lt Colonel and is part employed by the army's Military Studies Institute.

Mere details SMC - lets just give the pillock at the peace place a good kicking. As to being on dodgy ground with the Geneve conventions, that happened the instant we went to war. do anything to win, that's my motto. Just ask Morse for confirmation.
Kitty

[smc]

But at the same time if you are made prisoner you expect certain rules to be followed, whatever side you are on.

I expect to get a kicking for being the enemy. Alls fair, and all that jazz. I expect good treatemnt for those who abide by the rules, but if i was at war, and if i could take out as many of the enemy as i could purely by putting on a smock then i would. Fairs fair, i'd expect the same back. The lad knew what would happen if he was caught, and that was his choice.
In his place, if it had saved my mates, then i would probably have done the same.
Think we might disagree on this one.
Kitty

[Story]

Originally Posted by smc

I see nobody has picked up that Harper holds the rank of Lt Colonel and is part employed by the army's Military Studies Institute.

I see you didn't follow the links I provided.

Originally Posted by Owen D

Email from Glyn Harper recieved today.

"Dear Owen,

Don't believe all you read in the newspapers. We never called Sgt Hulme a
war criminall at all in our book which I suggest you read.

Regards
Glyn Harper"

So...........was it all a marketing ploy by the publishers?
Even so it still sullies Sgt Hulme VC 's name.

Did you ask him to send you a free copy?

[smc]

Originally Posted by Story

I see you didn't follow the links I provided.

I did. He's employed by Massey University which has strong links with the New Zealand Army and therefore holds a rank. Cranfield does a similar thing in this country.

[smc]

Originally Posted by mosquito617

I expect to get a kicking for being the enemy. Alls fair, and all that jazz. I expect good treatemnt for those who abide by the rules, but if i was at war, and if i could take out as many of the enemy as i could purely by putting on a smock then i would. Fairs fair, i'd expect the same back. The lad knew what would happen if he was caught, and that was his choice.
In his place, if it had saved my mates, then i would probably have done the same.
Think we might disagree on this one.
Kitty

Bear in mind that many in both first and second world wars were conscripts and may not have wanted to be there at all. If your commander decides to surrender then his rank and file soldiers should expect some basic treatment following a set of agreed rules.

[Story]

Originally Posted by smc

I did. He's employed by Massey University which has strong links with the New Zealand Army and therefore holds a rank. Cranfield does a similar thing in this country.

I'm aware of that, so you missed my point. Your blanket statement about 'nobody picking up' on Harper's background just got shot in the ass.