IWAS sorry to read the views of E Adamson (Letters, December 5) in which he still contends that the First World War soldiers shot for cowardice and desertion were guilty and he can find no excuse against this, adding that he pities the individuals attempting to change the charges.

I think it is Mr Adamson who is to be pitied for his lack of compassion, sensitivity and insight, matching only the sentencing officers with their typical "off with his head" attitude. They didn't have to live a part of their life under conditions which would have broken many of them.

The soldiers who were plunged into this hell were completely innocent of what they were to suffer as the authorities had brainwashed them into believing they would soon be home, victorious and covered in glory.

These soldiers weren't cowards. They simply broke down under the stress and strain of it all and should be given a full and unconditional pardon.

ALBERT J MORRIS, Clement View, Nelson.

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