First World War: Then and Now
British and Commonwealth military command executed 306 of its own men during the First World War for cowardice as well as desertion.
Keen to learn more about this aspect of history, young people from West Midlands Central Youth Theatre participated in a research project at Wolverhampton Archives. They explored shell shock, life in the trenches and how these conditions affected the physical and mental health of soldiers.
Fifteen youth theatre members aged between nine and 23 produced a film called After Dawn which was based on their research and later screened to the public. The actors were determined to make it an accurate portrayal of trench life. The lead actor researched shell shock in detail and strove to make his acting as authentic as possible.
Relatives of executed soldiers found the film engaging and recommended it to friends and family to share the message. Local schools and community groups also received copies of the film.
The young people also interviewed families of executed soldiers and firing squad members. The participants showed the families their relatives’ pardons, which have helped to reduce the stigma surrounding cowardice executions. The project also inspired a follow-on project and film Goodnight My Boys, funded by us, which told the story of the campaign for the pardon.