The family and supporters of a Worcestershire soldier executed by firing squad in the First World War are hoping the new year will bring an official pardon.

Campaigners have been working to clear Sgt John Wall's name, together with hundreds of others shot by their own side, for more than 10 years.

They now feel their pleas to exonerate all those labelled deserters or cowards during the Great War are gaining momentum and hope the Government will finally grant posthumous pardons this year. Sgt Wall, known as Jack, was in the 3rd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment fighting in France when he and two others became separated from their battalion.

They took cover from enemy fire until they felt it was safe to reunite with their company.

Wall was charged with desertion and, despite an exemplary record for discipline, combat and good character which had secured his promotion to sergeant, he was found guilty and executed on September 6, 1917 - a few days before his 22nd birthday.

British and Imperial Forces executed 346 men - mainly English - during the First World War.

Jill Turner, the great niece of Sgt Wall, who came from Tenbury Wells, was invited to take part in the Cenotaph Parade in London last year and now plans to fight the campaign through her local MP Nigel Waterson.

She said all those representing soldiers executed were applauded by the thousands who gathered for the event. "As we marched through Horse Guards Parade the crowds still applauded us and Prince Charles saluted us.

"I felt deep sadness and the tears flowed, but I also felt an innate sense of pride for all the service personnel, including, of course, my relatives."

Mrs Turner, who lives in Eastbourne, said her family was devastated by the news of her great uncle's death and that he was branded a deserter.

"Jack's memory was tainted and everyone felt shame and humiliation. My grandmother was a lovely kind lady, but I do not recall her laughing - ever. She mourned all her life."

She said many books have been written on the subject and her great uncle's case was deemed to be the worst.

"A number of high profile people on a national level are involved in the campaign. I am hoping to see my local MP.

"I have many relatives in Wales, Worcester, Hereford and Shropshire. We are all very anxious to clear Uncle Jack's name and finally remove all the shame which has haunted our family for years."

According to Julian Putkowski, a military historian and co-author of Shot At Dawn, men were sentenced to death by courts martial as a way of motivating the troops at critical times in the fighting. Not all were executed.

Eight soldiers from the Worcestershire Regiment were executed by firing squad.

None of those soldiers would be shot today - the military death penalty was outlawed in 1930.