''Buck and Gag''

By Crusader1307

As we have seen, Punishments within Armies in Centuries past were designed to be cruel and unforgettable. One such punishment was known as The “Buck and Gag”. This particular one, easy administered by Field Commanders for infractions like theft and insubordination. Dating back to the 18th Century  the procedure was to place the Soldier into a sitting position. His mouth was gagged with a cloth tied to the head. This forced the Victim to breath exclusively through the mouth.  Next, a wooden stick was placed behind the now upwards extended knees. One’s hands were tied to the front of the Knee, with arms supporting the stick, placed behinds the Crook of the knee. The whole affair was stabilized by the now tied feet. After several hours of forced slowing of the Victims blood circulation, severe cramps and muscular atrophy would follow. The effects after several hours would have lasting issues. Victims would be unable to walk or stand for up to several weeks. In some rate instances, death could result due to blood clots. Popular during The American Civil War of 1861-65, The “Buck and Gag” was outlawed in the mid-19th Century for being too brutal.