Copy of the 'Defaulter's Boot', after the original by J. Clitherow, Colonel 5th Battalion
Object number
RFM.497
Object name
Boot (Equipment, general)
Description
Despite the harsh punishments that soldiers were given for offences such as absence and desertion, men still went to great lengths to avoid the most brutal aspects of army life. Lashing was a common punishment in the Army, but was not seen as overly harsh by superiors. This iron boot was put on the leg of R. Reginauld, who was suspected of aggravating his wound in order to avoid his duties. After 12 days in the boot the wound had healed completely, so Reginauld was sentenced to 500 lashes by Regimental Court Martial. The back of the boot is painted with the words ‘A Cure’.