Shot at Dawn

by Julian Putkowski, Julian Sykes

Very Good, A very good, clean and sound copy in black cloth boards, title in gold gilt on front cover and spine, with a very good dust jacket. 352 p. : ill., facsims, ports ; 23cm.. . . .

352 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Frederick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorough and ghastly piece of work chronicling the executions performed under the authority of the British Army in World War One for desertion, cowardice, murder, and an assortment of bad behavior. Considering the inhuman and apocalyptic conditions under which that war was fought it is surprising that more men did not choose to simply throw down their weapons and try to escape. This is an important reference work for anyone studying The Great War.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Pen and Sword for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book covers all of the soldiers that were shot on the western front under the British Army Act (ie those that were serving with British units). The majority were shot for desertion or cowardice and this book goes into the details (where known) of their unfair trials. A lot of these soldiers were clearly showing signs of shell shock/PTSD.

The Armed Forces Act 2006 pardoned all of those who were shot for desertion or cowardice. A memorial has been built at the National Memorial Arboretum to commemorate them.



(photo belongs to me)