The New York Times, 12 February 1903

Circumstances That Led to the Expose of the Methods of Punishment of Subalterns — Lord Roberts’s Indignation.

Circumstances which led to the exposure of methods of punishment of subalterns in the Guards regiments, I am told, had their beginning one night when two subalterns of the Grenadier Guards took women of doubtful reputation to dine in the Carlton Hotel.LONDON, Feb. 11. – I have heard on excellent authority a story which throws light on the Grenadier Guards scandal, which has deeply stirred the English public, and may be made the subject of Parliamentary action. Other subalterns of the Grenadier Guards were in the hotel that evening, dining with members of their families. They resented the action of their comrades and remonstrated with them for taking women whom they could not introduce to their relatives to public restaurants, and gave warning that the offense must not be repeated. Shortly afterward the incident was repeated. The matter was taken up by the other subalterns and the offenders were court-martialed by their fellows in accordance with the custom of the regiment. They were found guilty, and as a result were stripped naked and flogged around the Wellington Barracks Square at night. One climbed a tree to escape the punishment. The other would not do so and was flogged until he bled. When complaint was made to Col. Kinloch he refused to take any action, saying that the punishment visited on the offenders had served them right. They then took the matter to their parents, who complained to Lord Roberts. After an investigation Lord Roberts called upon Col. Kinloch to resign, or be placed on half pay. Two influential Generals took up the matter on Col. Kinloch’s behalf and appealed to King Edward. His Majesty wrote to Lord Roberts, asking that the demand made on Col. Kinloch might be reconsidered. Lord Roberts, who was indignant that the Generals should have gone behind his back to the King, refused to reconsider the matter, and wrote to Col. Kinloch that his retirement would be gazetted the next day, which was done. It is said also on this authority that other things have been done in this regiment which would cause a. great sensation were they to be made public.