A Government move to give posthumous pardons to servicemen executed during the First World War for disciplinary offences was backed in the Lords yesterday without a vote.
The decision comes after years of campaigning on the issue. Peers supported an amendment by Junior Defence Minister Lord Drayson, during the Armed Forces Bill's committee stage.
The offences for which the men were executed included cowardice, sleepi
ng while on duty, striking a superior officer, disobedience and desertion.
Lord Drayson emphasised that the amendment did not "seek to re-write history" by quashing convictions or sentences and would not give rise to any right, entitlement or liability.
Lord Drayson referred to the much-publicised case of Private Harry Farr, aged 25, from 1st Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, who was shot by firing squad in October 1916 in northern France.
At Pte Farr's court martial two weeks earlier, he had been found guilty of "misbehaving before the enemy in such a manner as to show cowardice".
His family, who have campaigned vigorously on his behalf, said he had a history of treatment for shell-shock and had a psychiatric condition.
Lord Drayson told peers: "I have myself read his file and anyone who has done so cannot fail to be moved by it. I am glad that we have had an opportunity to revisit this matter and to find a solution.
