Soldiers must be pardoned
I am a former pupil of Ludlow High School and have relatives in Shropshire. I am also the great niece of Sgt John (Jack) Wall, 3rd Worcs Regiment, who was shot at dawn on September 6, 1917, aged 21 years. On reading your article about Major Adrian Coles's opposition to pardons for military personnel executed in World War 1, I was deeply saddened.
My great uncle Jack volunteered in 1912 at the age of 14 years. He spent three years in France in various battles, including the Somme. He had an exemplary record and was a good soldier. He was promoted to sergeant at 21 years old.
When fighting he and two others became separated from their regiment. They were unable to rejoin their comrades due to heavy enemy fire. When he got back, his regiment had moved on. He was charged with desertion.
Soldiers were shot as an example to "stiffen up" the others. Many were little more than children who had fought gallantly.
Well known military historians have researched all the evidence and support the Shot at Dawn Pardons Campaign.
Judge Anthony Babington has said in his book, For The Sake of Example: "Death did not come to them, random and abrupt, on the field of battle, it came with measured tread as the calculated climax and macabre ritual."
The execution of more than 300 young men was a vile and heinous tragedy.
History cannot be changed, but hopefully history will be made when pardons are granted.
Jill Turner, Eastbourne
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