The Coward
I could not look on Death, which being known, Men led me to him, blindfold and alone.

Rudyard Kipling 1918

The issue of those 'shot at dawn' for desertion or cowardice is a very sensitive one.

Pupils would benefit from visiting the following websites :

http://www.shotatdawn.org.uk/ Shot at Dawn Campaign
http://www.aftermathww1.com/highgate.asp Kent Village Campaign

On March 17th 2001 I visited Suzanne Military Cemetery No.3 on the Somme.

Three names were asterisked in the Grave Registration book and the following message was written :

Yes, they endured the UNENDURABLE , and then were shot for CRACKING-UP with shell shock, etc. A disgrace to Britain, that should be apologised for, every man forgiven by the government, as they have long been forgiven by the people of Britain. SIMON