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

[Coyote Poetry]

Today war, yesterday war. Never no kindness. Powerful story in the words. Made me want to know more. Thank you dear Chris for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

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

read moreThank you Coyote. I have added some author notes. Please read for the background story.

Chris

[Samuel Dickens]

Another fatality, brought about by war. Did he deserve such a punishment? My step father told ugly tales about what happened to cowards during WWII, and I wish there were better ways.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sam. I have added some author’s notes, please read for the background story.
read moreThank you Sam. I have added some author’s notes, please read for the background story.

Chris

[Samuel Dickens]

Such a sad and distressing story. Although improvements have been made in this area, I know that the military still expects everyone to act a certain way, disregarding the fact that we're not machines and are all different. May we all remember Harry.

[Chris Shaw]

He deserves to be remembered. Thank you Sam for taking the time.