IMPERIAL NAVY JUDGE ADVOCATE SERVICE LAW REPORT by JOHN-400 NO. 3199.034hgf aboard the flagship of TF72, Draconis system. [Q7]
Admiral Pellew (presiding), Task Force 72 [Ganley]
Captain Rackham, ESS Agamemnon [Cameron]
Captain Steele, ESS DiGriz [Grainger]
Prosecution: Commander Augustus Wathen
Defence: Commander Drofrehtur
Imperial Interstellar Destroyer 'ESS Delhi' was taken by Draconian criminals during an operation in an unscouted system by Captain Knowlden [late] of the 'Delhi' who for unknown reasons allowed the enemy approx. 100 persons aboard and failed to ensure they were searched for weapons. The vessel was lost after a fight and the Draconians attempted a subterfuge to hide the facts. This subterfuge failed. The vessel and most of its surviving crew were liberated soon after by the actions of Task Force 72 led by Admiral Pellew in the course of punitive operations. Senior surviving naval officer Corderoy, First Officer, (Cdr) of 'Delhi' was charged with offences arising from the loss of the 'Delhi' and subsequent events.
SUMMARY: J.C. Corderoy was found GUILTY of COLLABORATION WITH THE ENEMY UNDER S.56(B) of the NDA and was sentenced as follows:
1. Reduction to the rank of Astronaut (basic grade) with the immediate loss of all status, seniority and privileges.
2. Entered onto Corderoy's record is a SEVERE REPRIMAND and the recommendation of the Court Martial that he never be promoted within the Imperial Navy to any higher rank where he would carry out the responsibilities of an Imperial Officer.
3. Directed to report by the first available vessel to the Imperial Fleet in Quadrant Five for other duties such as the local Commanding Officer may direct.
1. Prosecution called Marine Major Rowley [Patel] who confirmed that Corderoy had had no responsibility for shipboard security.
2. Prosecution called Medical Officer C.P.O. Howland who confirmed that Corderoy had had no responsibility for the failure to search the enemy 'refugees'.
3. Prosecution called Corderoy, who was unable to satisafactorily explain his actions in, once captured, aiding the Draconian enemy to navigate the captured ESS Delhi within the Draco system. His plea of duress: in that the enemy had threatened both Corderoy and the captured naval personnel under his nominal command with torture, and that he did not see how navigating the vessel within the system, while awaiting rescue, was not accepted. Although an astro-navigator and not a combat officer, Corderoy had taken part in combat to defend the 'Delhi.' No evidence was adduced that any of Corderoy's actions had caused any damage whatsoever to the Empire. The Court heard that Corderoy had on his own initiative destroyed the logs and databanks of the 'Delhi' thereby denying valuable intelligence to the enemy. No evidence was adduced to show any means by which Corderoy could have acted differently without incurring the probable deaths of naval personnel to whom he owed a duty of care. The Court did not specify the nature of he 'information' Corderoy was held to have supplied under the Third Charge (collaboration.) In cross-examination by the Defence, Corderoy expressed no remorse for his actions. The Court were reminded during proceedings that by Order of Quadrant Government no naval officers are to be dismissed the service during the current Exterminator War.
THE FIRST CHARGE. J. C. Corderoy, First Officer, is charged with FAILING TO OBEY ORDERS contrary to section 43 of the Naval Discipline Act in that while serving on ESS DELHI he failed to execute the requirements laid upon him by ship's standing operational orders, and permitted armed hostile intruders entry to the ship without taking due precautions.
THE SECOND CHARGE. J. C. Corderoy, First Officer, is charged with DERELICTION OF DUTY contrary to Section 22 of the Naval Discipline Act in that while captured by hostile forces he made no attempt to escape, a duty required of all service personnel under Section 94(p) of the Military Services Discipline Act.
THE THIRD CHARGE. J. C. Corderoy, First Officer, is charged with COLLABORATION WITH THE ENEMY contrary to Section 56(b) of the Naval Discipline Act in that following capture by hostile forces he provided them with information they required for the operation of the ESS DELHI.
THE FOURTH CHARGE. J. C. Corderoy, First Officer, is charged with CONDUCT UNBECOMING OF AN OFFICER contrary to Section 69 of the Military Services Discipline Act in that his conduct following the initial assault by hostile forces up until the recapture of the ESS DELHI was likely to bring the Military Services into disrepute and lower morale both among the Military Services, and the general civilian population.
Leave to appeal was not granted.
KEYWORDS: NAVY SECURITY POW DURESS COLLABORATION SCAPEGOAT
End Report.
Notes on the Conduct of a Court Martial
I confirm the verdict of the Court Martial with the amended sentence as follows.
1. Loss of 5 years seniority.
2. Entered onto Corderoy's record is a SEVERE REPRIMAND with the recommendation that he be barred from Command of any naval vessel for a period of five years and promotion for a similar period.
3. Cdr. Corderoy to be posted to a shore establishment where his skills can be put to good use.
NOTE:
Clemency in sentencing has been exercised because of the state of emergency and the directive that no officer should be discharged from the service, especially while his talents can be put to good use to further the war effort.
I also believe that Corderoy, though misguided, was acting from the best of motives and was convinced that he was protecting the ship for us to re-capture. Given the brutality of the Draconians there is every possibility that his action saved naval personnel and therefore made possible their re-assignment elsewhere. Given the current circumstances this is particularly commendable. The only reason that I am not completely quashing the verdict of the court is that I do not wish to encourage collaboration in future cases.
Sir George Tryon, KOBE
Admiral of the White
CINC 1AF, ESS Shaka