A CAMPAIGN has been launched to win recognition for a First World War soldier executed for cowardice 84 years ago this month.
On July 2, 1916, 25-year-old George Hunter, from Stockton, who served in the Durham Light Infantry, was shot at dawn after a court martial.
Now campaigner John Hipkin is appealing to Stockton Borough Council to honour Private Hunter on the town's war memorial, alongside the other First World War dead.
Mr Hipkin has led a long, although so far unsuccessful, campaign to convince the Government to pardon those shot for cowardice during the 1914-18 war.
The Ministry of Defence insists service records do not contain enough information to be able to posthumously pardon individual soldiers.
But Mr Hipkin has singled out Pte Hunter's case, saying: "I'm asking Stockton council to recognise that George Hunter is a legitimate person, worthy of recognition for his sacrifice in the Great War.
"He was shot for cowardice and desertion. But examination of his record shows he did not deserve his death, even by the extraordinary standards and conditions of the time. He can't get a pardon under Government rules, but a line on his home town's memorial will go some way towards exoneration of his so-called crime."
Trial transcripts show that Pte Hunter was regarded as an "inadequate" soldier, and Mr Hipkin believes his execution was designed to intimidate other members of the DLI.
A Stockton council spokes-man said councillors would consider the plea when they received a formal approach from Mr Hipkin.
Mr Hipkin is trying to find out more about George Hunter. Anyone who can help can contact him on 0191-262 4753.
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