Eric Joyce

Labour Party | Falkirk

Falkirk MP welcomes pardons for servicemen executed during First World War

Falkirk MP, Eric Joyce, has welcomed news that ‘administrative pardons’ are to be given to servicemen executed for offences such as desertion and cowardice during the First World War.

Following amendments to the Armed Forces Bill in the House of Commons last night, all service men executed for offences such as desertion and cowardice committed between 4th August 1914 and 11th November 1918, will be given an ‘administrative pardon’ removing the stigma and dishonour associated with their executions.

Speaking today, Eric Joyce MP said

‘There were more than 300 servicemen executed for offences such as desertion and cowardice during the First World War and I’m pleased that we’ve finally found a way to deal with this issue without the impossible task of retrying every case.

Ex and current service personnel have mixed feelings about this matter but I’m glad that we have been able to find a way of giving comfort to the relatives of those executed.’