THE great-niece of a Worcestershire soldier executed by his own side during the First World War is continuing her campaign for his complete exoneration.

Jill Turner, who has fought over the past four years to clear Sergeant Jack Wall's name, now plans to pursue his case through the courts.

Last year the Government issued more than 300 posthumous pardons to British soldiers accused of desertion and cowardice. But Mrs Turner, who lives in Eastbourne, Sussex, has always insisted that her great uncle, from Tenbury Wells, deserved nothing less than complete exoneration.

War records show that Sgt Wall was in the 3rd Worcestershire Regiment fighting on the French-Belgium border when he and two others became separated from their battalion. After sheltering from enemy fire, they rejoined their company when it was safe.

Despite an exemplary record, he was found guilty of desertion and executed by firing squad on September 6, 1917, a few days before his 22nd birthday.

She hopes to enlist the support of John Dickinson, a solicitor who helped to steer the high profile case of Private Harry Farr through the High Court.

"I have not given up," she said. "I am going to try to get hold of John Dickinson and see if he can help. Jack's case is unique."

Mrs Turner already has the support of the national Shot At Dawn campaign and military historian Julian Putkowski.

Meanwhile, Chris Dovey from the Tenbury Wells British Legion and Royal Naval Association visited Jack Wall's grave in Poperinge New Military Cemetery last month, where he laid a posy of poppies and a message from the people of Tenbury and Bockleton, as well as a cross and poppy from Mrs Turner.

"I have been very touched by his kindness," said Mrs Turner.

She also hopes to have the name of her grandfather Leonard Evans added to the war memorial at Bockleton. He came from Leysters, near Tenbury, and was killed in December 1916 in France, where he was buried.