Pardon for Soldiers of the Great War Act 2000 explained

Pardon for Soldiers of the Great War Act 2000 is statute law in New Zealand.^{[1] [2] [3]} The act sought to remove the blight on their character of five soldiers who were unjustly executed during World War I.^[4] One of the pardoned soldiers named in the act was from New Zealand's southern port town of Bluff and he is now honoured in the town's maritime museum.^[5] The Act was opposed by the ACT party, which argued it was inappropriate and an insult to the memory of everyone who fought in the war.^[6]

The pardoned soldiers

They were all awarded medals posthumously, after the act was passed.^[7]

• John (Jack) Braithwaite, PTE, b. 1882 in Dunedin. British War Medal, Victory Medal, New Zealand Certificate of Honour.
• Frank Hughes, PTE, b. 1888 in Croydon, Southland. British War Medal, Victory Medal, New Zealand Certificate of Honour.
• John King, PTE, b. 1885 in Victoria, Australia. 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, New Zealand Certificate of Honour, Anzac Commemorative Medallion.
• Victor Manson Spencer, PTE, b. 1894 in Otautau, Southland. 1914-15 Star, British War Medal; Victory Medal, New Zealand Certificate of Honour, Anzac Commemorative Medallion.
• John Joseph Sweeney, PTE, b. 1879 in Sprent, Tasmania. 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, New Zealand Certificate of Honour, Anzac Commemorative Medallion.

See also

• List of New Zealand soldiers executed during World War I
• Shot at Dawn Memorial

Notes and References

1. Web site: Pardon for Soldiers of the Great War Act 2000 No 29 (as at 15 September 2000), Public Act – New Zealand Legislation.
2. Web site: Moments of truth from World War I - New Zealand Listener. 22 April 2016.
3. Web site: World War 1 soldier executed for mutiny to be honoured at National Memorial Arboretum. Mike. Lockley. 17 January 2016.
4. Web site: World War One pardoned soldiers to be recognised with awards.
5. Web site: Pardoned deserter's medals on show. Kimberley Crayton-Brown and Collette. Devlin. 19 November 2012. Stuff.co.nz.
6. Pardon for Soldiers of the Great War Bill. Parliament of New Zealand. House of Representatives. 12 September 2000. 587.
7. Web site: WWI Pardoned Soldiers To Be Recognised With Awards. Scoop Parliament. Scoop Media. 28 March 2018. 11 July 2005.