Letter: Reconsidering executions for cowardice in the First World War

Sir: The death certificate for Private Harry Farr, who was shot at dawn on 18 October 1916, gives the cause of his death as 'Shot for Cowardice' (' 'Shell-shocked' private given death sentence', 16 August).

However, the certificate relating to the death of an officer, Sub-Lieutenant E. L. A. Dyett RNVR, Nelson Battalion, Royal Naval Division, who was shot for desertion on 5 January 1917, gives the cause of his death as 'On War Service'.

Strange?

Yours faithfully,

P. GUEST

Salisbury,

Wiltshire