Shot at dawn: 'Justice' at last for John?

A LITTLEHAMPTON soldier executed for desertion in the First World War is among more than 300 servicemen who could be given a blanket pardon.

By The Newsroom

Published 26th Oct 2006, 12:47 BST

Updated 8th Jun 2018, 01:10 BST

Private John Barnes was just 24 when he was shot at dawn on July 4, 1917, for leaving his post on the British front line in northern France.

Campaigners including Rosemary Clarke, who is fighting to exonerate 13 soldiers from southern regiments, including Pte Barnes, hope a pardon will soon be granted now the move has been backed by the House of Commons.

Earlier this month, an amendment to the Armed Forces Bill, providing for the blanket pardon, was given safe passage through the Lords and now goes to the Commons for approval before being given royal assent.

However, Conservative leader David Cameron has said his party would not make a commitment on how it would vote when the amendment is discussed by the Commons, and Mrs Clarke is calling on Tory MPs to vote "as their consciences bid them on the day and not be instructed to toe the party line".

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