Monument for WWI Deserters

During World War I, there were many soldiers who could no longer handle the bloodshed and would abandon the battle. To prevent mass desertions, army leaders ordered all deserters executed as a deterrent to others who might consider following their comrades' examples. Although a small percentage of deserters were caught, over 1,000 of them were eventually captured and shot by firing squad.

In an effort to remember these fallen men, a new monument has been erected in the village of Poperinge, located just outside of Ypres, Belgium. The monument was built not to celebrate desertion, but rather as a reminder of the horrors of war.