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Voices of the First World War

Voices of the First World War: Cowardice

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Factual: Life Stories

Factual: History

15/11/2016

Cowardice

BBC Radio 4 - Voices of the First World War, Cowardice

The impact of a soldier's execution for cowardice in 1916 on his family.

Dan Snow explores the impact of a soldier's execution for cowardice in 1916 on his family, and two former soldiers talk about why they think such punishments were necessary.

Gertrude Farr heard about her husband Harry Farr's execution for cowardice in October 1916 by letter, and was never given any more details of the circumstances surrounding his death, apart from by the vicar who had attended his shooting, who revealed that Harry had refused to be blindfolded. Gertrude and her daughter reveal the effect Harry's execution had on their lives and the stigma that was attached to such a death, while two former soldiers talk about why they think such punishments were necessary. Narrated by Dan Snow.

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Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Dan Snow tells the story of World War I through the voices of those who were there.

Dan Snow brings together the sound archive collections of the Imperial War Museums and the BBC to tell the story of World War I through the voices of those who were.

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