A Flanders Poppy is a 2-act drama which records the events leading to the execution of Sub Lieutenant Edwin Dyett, RNVR in January 1917.
The people who took part in this extraordinary miscarriage of justice are brought to life through their own words as recorded in the trial papers which have been meticulously researched by the author. The case for the prosecution was 6 weeks in preparation, whereas the case for the defence was only allowed one day of preparation.
A Flanders Poppy was written after the 2006 grant of posthumous pardons to the 306 men who were 'shot at dawn' during the First World War. It is written as a drama but it is compelling reading for anyone who is interested in the period.
Bill Evershed joined the Navy in 1953 as a Boy Seaman in the RNVR. He transferred to the RN and retired as a Commander in 1978. He was subsequently the Administrator of Guildford Cathedral from which he retired in 2001.
He has an interest in military history and has previously researched and presented a series of one-man plays on topics including the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879; the 1942 Royal Marines Commando raid by canoe upon German shipping in Bordeaux; and the Yangtse River Incident in 1949 involving HMS Amethyst. These presentations were for the purpose of raising funds for Armed Forces charities. Performing Rights for A Flanders Poppy will go to the national charity 'Seafarers UK'