Saving Wilkes (Situational Irony)
During the war, Charlie leaves his unit to go back to no man's land to rescue and save the life of Captain Wilkes. He is neither reprimanded nor punished for this action—far from it. Captain Wilkes even gives him his gold wristwatch to thank him for this action. This is ironic because when Charlie does the same thing and goes back for Tommo when he is badly injured, nobody is congratulating him for his courage: instead, the same act of bravery is punished with execution.
Tommo and Molly Ending Up Together (Dramatic Irony)
Tommo is in love with Molly from a very young age, but she and Charlie fall in love and get married. When Charlie is executed, Tommo steps into his brother's role as her husband and father to their child. This is ironic because that is the role he would have wanted for himself, though he has to survive the unexpected tragedy of his brother's death to arrive in that role.
Cowardice or Courage? (Situational Irony)
Charlie shows enormous courage and wisdom by telling Hanley that his order is dangerous and that he will not leave his injured brother. However, Charlie is accused of desertion for this action and sentenced to death for "insubordination and cowardice," despite the fact that he has shown more bravery than most of the men around him.
Surviving the Germans but Not His Own Side (Situational Irony)
During wartime, it is assumed that a soldier is mostly in danger from the enemy. However, Tommo and Charlie find Hanley to be far crueler to them than any German soldier, whereas, in contrast, it is an enemy combatant who shows mercy when Tommo is choking on poison gas. Eventually, Charlie is executed not by the Germans but rather by men from his own side.
