Shot at Dawn: Executions in the Great War

Shot at Dawn: Executions in the Great War explores one of the most haunting and controversial aspects of World War I — the execution of over 300 British and Commonwealth soldiers by their own armies, often for desertion, cowardice, or falling asleep at their post.

In this sobering episode, we examine:

The brutal conditions that drove men to the breaking point

The court-martial process and the lack of proper defense

The stories of individuals who were executed How shell shock and trauma were misunderstood and punished

The legacy of these executions and modern efforts for pardons

Using personal letters, military records, and expert analysis, we bring to light the emotional and ethical weight of these forgotten stories — and reflect on how war tests not only nations, but the limits of human endurance.