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jambutty · 16-08-2006, 18:03

26 years old Private Harry Farr faced the firing squad on 18th October 1916.

Up until the 2nd October 1916 he had served with the 2nd Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment in France with distinction and bravery. He had survived the Somme and had ‘gone over the top’ many times without flinching.

Harry Farr had been hospitalised with ‘shell shock’ for some five months shortly before returning to his unit. On that fateful day after being order to ‘go over the top’ once again Harry found that he just could not do so, in spite of his Sergeant Major threatening to blow his ****** brains out if he didn’t get moving. The threat never materialised and Private Farr was arrested and imprisoned to await a Court Martial for alleged cowardice. The Court Martial didn’t take into account any medical evidence or his past record, found him guilty after just 20 minutes and he suffered the ultimate sanction. His bravery was evident to the last when he faced the firing squad and declined a blindfold.

His daughter, Gertrude Harris now 93, fought to clear his name in a 15 years campaign and the High Court accepted her arguments and posthumously cleared his name.

I applaud the decision. Justice has been done at last.

Why did it take so long for a pardon? Well the military records are under a 100 years rule - that is they are classified for 100 years. Fortunately this time limit was reduced to 75 years in 1990 and this gave Gertrude Harris the chance to start her campaign when the Court Martial evidence was released for public viewing.

It has also been reported that the Defence Secretary, Des Browne, would be seeking a pardon approved by Parliament for the other 300 soldiers who were shot for alleged cowardice or desertion.

I hope that he succeeds, in particular for the handful of 16 years old kids who lied about their age to join up, got sent to the front to experience the hell of trench warfare and cracked. In spite of their age they were still shot as cowards.

The MOD should also investigate the summary execution of soldiers by officers in the trenches. The details of one such incident can be found at http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,59-2122142,00.html

16-08-2006, 18:03	#1
jambutty Apprentice Geriatric Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Darwen, Lancashire Posts: 3,706 Liked: 0 times Rep Power: 89	Should Harry Farr Have Been Pardoned? 26 years old Private Harry Farr faced the firing squad on 18th October 1916. Up until the 2nd October 1916 he had served with the 2nd Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment in France with distinction and bravery. He had survived the Somme and had ‘gone over the top’ many times without flinching. Harry Farr had been hospitalised with ‘shell shock’ for some five months shortly before returning to his unit. On that fateful day after being order to ‘go over the top’ once again Harry found that he just could not do so, in spite of his Sergeant Major threatening to blow his ****** brains out if he didn’t get moving. The threat never materialised and Private Farr was arrested and imprisoned to await a Court Martial for alleged cowardice. The Court Martial didn’t take into account any medical evidence or his past record, found him guilty after just 20 minutes and he suffered the ultimate sanction. His bravery was evident to the last when he faced the firing squad and declined a blindfold. His daughter, Gertrude Harris now 93, fought to clear his name in a 15 years campaign and the High Court accepted her arguments and posthumously cleared his name. I applaud the decision. Justice has been done at last. Why did it take so long for a pardon? Well the military records are under a 100 years rule - that is they are classified for 100 years. Fortunately this time limit was reduced to 75 years in 1990 and this gave Gertrude Harris the chance to start her campaign when the Court Martial evidence was released for public viewing. It has also been reported that the Defence Secretary, Des Browne, would be seeking a pardon approved by Parliament for the other 300 soldiers who were shot for alleged cowardice or desertion. I hope that he succeeds, in particular for the handful of 16 years old kids who lied about their age to join up, got sent to the front to experience the hell of trench warfare and cracked. In spite of their age they were still shot as cowards. The MOD should also investigate the summary execution of soldiers by officers in the trenches. The details of one such incident can be found at http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,59-2122142,00.html __________________ Thanks for reading. If you have a few minutes to spare please visit my web site at http://popye.bravehost.com