Blinded By Ignorance

all these years later
i find him in khaki while scrolling
on my phone
he is remembered with a deep
breath and a downcast sigh
his English name once attached
to shame

his handsome features stare back
he too a victim of a wretched war
he faced the firing squad at dawn
back straight and head on
refused resolutely to wear a blindfold
a final act of defiance
he died on his terms
at 25 condemned by his superiors

as a coward

Author's Note

Some background info

Harry Farr was 25 years old married with one daughter. He enlisted in the army in 1908 and served until 1912. As a reservist he was recalled to colours at the outbreak of WW1. He was deployed in France where he spent 5 months in hospital recovering from shell shock. He shook constantly and nurses had to write letters home for him as he couldn’t hold a pen. He was sent back to the front in Oct 1925 , he sought medical treatment several times. He suffered a nervous collapse in April 1916 and spent 2 weeks in a medical facility before being sent back to his unit. On 17/9/16 during the Battle of the Somme , the unit was preparing for an attack and he told the regimental sarjeant he was unwell and unable to fight. He was told to report to the medical officer who ordered him to return to his unit as he observed no injuries. That evening he went missing. He refused to join his unit saying he could not stand it. He was arrested and court martialled. No medical records were produced, no Dr called about his medical history, no prisoner’s friend. In short he had no representation. Who needs enemies eh?

Reviews

[carl]

totally missed the background info - shocking and I'm sure just one of many stories that occur without our knowledge - my father was in nine major sea battles in the Pacific during WWII and the things he related to us which he witnessed it is a wonder those who endure such can function afterwards. I know that is a cry different that your description but even so man's brutality to man is mind boggling. I am working on a piece that deals with what I observe as Man's Duality - thanks for your work - much appreciated - carl

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for returning Carl. I added the author notes after my poem as I was asked for some background info. I look forward to reading your piece on Man’s Duality and I appreciate yiur interest.

Chris

[redd Brick Keshner]

That was truly sad and utterly infuriating! Where the cogs of empire machinery mince the very backs that built it. Such a terrible shame it makes the blood curdle. Excellent tribute, Chris🕊️🙏🏻

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Freds. 306 were executed and subsequently pardoned years later in 2006, for similar. It makes me shake with anger at the injustice of it all. Thank you for remembering him. He deserves to be remembered.

Chris

[Soren]

Wow! Chris this is a most powerful poem that speaks of defiance and differences that separate the winner and looser not the right or the wrong. There seems to be no right or wrong just different view and winners and losers

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Soren. I have added some author notes. Please read for background story.

Chris

[Soren]

Most welcome Chris

[Ken Simm.]

I think perhaps this tribute was a person you knew or was part of your family. But nonetheless it remains a fine tribute about a difficult and wrong period in this countries history.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ken. I have added some author notes. Please read for background story.

Chris

[red93]

This Piece reminds me of the Dirk Bogarde / Tom Courtenay Film 'King and Country' - in which Dirk Bogarde has to defend Courtenay's character in a Court Martial, a WW1 Deserter on the Western Front. Who knows how we would have fared ourselves in these terrible situations. Exceptional ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tony. I have added some author notes. Please read for background story.

Chris

[red93]

✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Neville]

true enough .. what an emotionally charged post this is our Chris .. sh .. it happens & it happened far too often in my book & by the cross of saint George it make me so angry .. god bless every single one of em .. 💜

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Neville. I have added some author notes. Please read for background story.

Chris 💜

[Neville]

Thanks Chris .. Have you got or read Shot at Dawn by Julian Putkowski & Julian Sykes .. it is a must read in my opinion as is British Butchers & Bunglers of WW1 by John Laffin .. Peace be with you our Chris 💜

[Chris Shaw]

A bit heavy reading for me at present Neville, I’ll keep them both on the back burner though. 💜

[John the Baptist]

I get the feeling this was someone close to you, but I can't identify which UK war is the background for this tragedy. The subject comes across as a highly principled individual. An American named Eddie Slovik was similarly executed during WW2.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John. I have added some author notes. Please read for background information.

read moreThank you John. I have added some author notes. Please read for background information.

Chris

[carl]

Intriguing piece - makes you want to know more - I have to believe his act of defiance was justified - brings to mind the recent event of those who encouraged disobedience to illegal orders - enjoyed the piece- carl

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Carl. I have added some author notes. Please read for background information.

read moreThank you Carl. I have added some author notes. Please read for background information.

Chris

[Pete]

intriguing. you set the scene and circumstances so well. shakespeare said that cowards die a thousand deaths. to hold fast to one's morals and values, even in the face of death, takes courage.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Pete. I have added some author notes. Please read for background information.

read moreThank you Pete. I have added some author notes. Please read for background information.

Chris

[Pete]

... read the notes ... so sad. mercy, compassion and understanding in such short supply ...

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for looking. He deserves to be remembered.

[Brandon Houser]

Wow Chris. What a gut punch. A brilliant piece of writing. I am shaken by this, and I'm sure it will linger today. Excellent, thought provoking piece.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Brandon. I have added some author notes. Please read for background information.

Chris