Harry Farr

Thought for the day.

He fought for his country for 2 years in the Great War. He survived the Somme. He was treated for shell shock, then asked to return to the killing fields. But he could not go on. He was charged with ''cowardice'' by the army and sentenced to death. He asked not to wear a blindfold as he was shot. He was only 25 years old. Now we would - I hope - recognise him as undoubtedly a sufferer of PTSD, then called shell-shock. Today, his daughter - in her nineties - and the grand daughter he never met have heard that Private Harry Farr is to be post-humously pardoned, and it is hoped that 300 more pardons will be issued for men who were killed in similar circumstances.

I am glad that Private Farr's memory has been belatedly honoured. 90 years on, those mentally crippled by the unbearable after-effects of daily bombs, screams, maiming, death, gas, horror have finally had their sacrifice recognised.

I hope that his family find peace and honour and healing after such a long fight. Rest in peace, Private Harry.

They shall not grow old, as we who are left grow old.

Age shall not wither them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we shall remember them.

We shall remember them.