Wow, Thank you for this information. Talk about paint a picture of a young man's life - it makes you think about so many things.
I am not familar with the punishments given during the war. Maybe you can help me understand what happened..... It says that he deserted his Battalion, was arrested and returned to his original Battalion ? Does this mean that he did finish out his service or was he returned and held as a prisoner ? Should I assume that this is why he does not have a proper grave marker ? I am very curious. And again, Thank you for you corespondence.