I am opposed to the death penalty and did not mean to imply that the death penalty is called for. I quoted the section to indicate the seriousness of the offence, which incidentally is the FIRST one listed.
Terrible if true. Such an act of cowardice would merit the death penalty as per the Air Force Act :
34. Any person subject to this Act who commits any of the following offences, that is to say,- (a) shamefully abandons or delivers up any garrison, fortress, post, place or guard, committed to his charge, or which it is his duty to defend, --------- shall, on conviction by court-martial, be liable to suffer death or such less punishment as is in this Act mentioned.
34. Any person subject to this Act who commits any of the following offences, that is to say,-
(a) shamefully abandons or delivers up any garrison, fortress, post, place or guard, committed to his charge, or which it is his duty to defend, ---------
shall, on conviction by court-martial, be liable to suffer death or such less punishment as is in this Act mentioned.
Surely this communication between the Home Secretary and the Defence Secretary must be classified. Who leaked it, why and what if any action will be taken against him/her?
Bizarre story! A poor reflection on our military.