Shot At Dawn Poem by Colin Ian Jeffery

During World War 0ne (1914-18) British army executed 306
soldiers charged with desertion or cowardice. On the 16th
August,2006, the British Government granted posthumous
pardons to all the soldiers. Many innocent and executed as
example for keeping discipline among the ranks.

Twelve soldiers, the firing squad
Stand reluctant with rifles loaded
One with a blank bullet others with live bullets
So they do not know who fires the blank
Thinking themselves innocent of the death.

Tied to a post young terrified soldier
Still in his teens, hands tied behind the post
Trembling, but not from the early morning chill
But knowing death is but minutes away
And he will never see his parents again.

The officer in charge of the firing squad
Steps up to the soldier to be shot
Offers him a blindfold which is declined
Pins a white cloth over the soldier's heart
The target for the firing squad.

Nearby an army chaplain with head bowed
Reads aloud the twenty-third psalm
The Officer cries, "Take aim... Fire! "
The soldier slumps forward secured by tied hands
Twitching violently with chest crimson with blood.