Defence Forces (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1923

Offences in relation to the enemy not punishable with death.

33.—Every person subject to military law who on active service commits any of the following offences, that is to say:—

(1) The offence of being taken prisoner through disobedience of orders, wilful neglect of duty, or want of due precaution; or,

(2) Having been taken prisoner, the offence of failing to rejoin the Forces when able to rejoin the same; or,

(3) The offence of in any way spreading reports, or using words, calculated to cause alarm or despondency among the Forces, or among the civilian population; or

(4) The offence of leaving the ranks without orders from his superior officer in order to secure prisoners, or on the pretence of taking wounded men to the rear;

shall on conviction by Court-Martial be liable to suffer penal servitude, or such less punishment as is in this Act mentioned.