The heartbreaking stories of how these 8 Sheffield soldiers were shot for desertion during the First World War

Perhaps the best documented is the case of Private Henry Hughes, who was shot by firing squad in April 1918.

The 29-year-old, who had served with the York and Lancaster Regiment had been sent out on a work party near Ypres but instead deserted.

He was found in February about eight miles from where he was last seen - a place called Poperinge, which served as a main military corridor to the front line.

A court martial was called and Hughes, who was described as being of no military use, was sentenced to death. The ruling was even supported by General Hague himself.

But five other Sheffield-born soldiers were also shot for desertion during the conflict.

They were Private James Haddock, 32, executed on September 16, 1916; Private Ernest Harris, 20, executed on February 3, 1917; Private Walter Dossett, 22, executed on June 25, 1918; Private George Ainley, 20, executed on July 30, 1918, Private Frank Bateman, 28, executed on September 10, 1918; Private George Ernest Roe, 19, executed on June 11, 1915; and Private Harry Poole, 22, executed on December 9, 1916.

In what is often seen as the darkest side of the bloody conflict, discipline was enforced with a rod of iron and desertion was tragically seen seen as simple cowardice.

Editor's message: Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues. The Star is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions for unlimited access to Sheffield news and information online. Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city.