Shot at Dawn Memorial

The Shot at Dawn Memorial is a British Monument located at the National Memorial Arboretum near Alrewas, in Staffordshire, England in memory of the 306 British and Commonwealth soldiers executed for cowardice and desertion during World War I.

The memorial portrays a young British soldier blindfolded and tied to a stake in anticipation of execution by firing squad. The memorial was modelled on the likeness of 17-year-old Private Herbert Burden, who lied about his age in order to enlist in the forces and was later shot for desertion. It is surrounded by a semi-circle of stakes on which are listed the names of every soldier executed in this fashion. These included: Harry Farr, Thomas Highgate, Eric Poole, and Lance Corporal Peter Goggins.

The memorial was created by the artist Andy DeComyn and was unveiled by Mrs Gertrude Harris, daughter of Private Harry Farr, in June 2001. Mrs Marina Brewis, the great niece of Lance Corporal Peter Goggins, also attended the service.

References

* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1399983.stm BBC News]
* [http://www.ukniwm.org.uk/server/show/conMemorial.46465/fromUkniwmSearch/1 Entry in UK National Inventory of War Memorials]
* fr Soldat fusillé pour l'exemple