RSM Robert Frederick Burrall 6th Battalion

[Marymuseum]

While doing some research in local newspapers I came across this from the Manchester Evening News dated 6th July 1915

A MANCHESTER BIGAMY CHARGE
At the City Police Court, this afternoon, Robert Frederick Burrall, a Sergeant Major in the 6th Battalion Manchester Regiment (T.F.), was committed for trial on a charge of bigamy. The prisoner and his wife it was stated, had not lived comfortably together, and in 1907 his wife summoned for desertion. She had only seen him occasionally since then.  T. W. Harris, who defended, said that at the time he went through the second ceremony the prisoner really believed that his wife was dead.  The magistrates allowed the prisoner legal assistance under The Poor Prisoners' Defence Act.