Story of Westmeath soldier executed by British for mutiny is on Nationwide this evening

(Above) Private James Daly.

The story of the Westmeath soldier who was executed in India 100 years ago this week for leading a mutiny of Irish troops serving in the British Army is featured on the RTÉ show Nationwide this evening.

In June 1920, Private James Daly from Tyrrellspass led a revolt by a group of his fellow countrymen who were serving in the Connaught Rangers and garrisoned in the Punjabi city of Jullundur.

It is believed that the uprising was prompted by stories the soldiers had heard about the exploits of the Black and Tans in Ireland. While they succeeded in raising a green flag above their headquarters, which they named 'Liberty Hall', the mutineers were subdued and Daly was taken to Lucknow Prison.

After months in the infamous prison, Daly was court-martialled and found guilty of mutiny. On November 2, 1920, he was executed by firing squad and became the last soldier in the British Army to be killed for mutiny.

Irish born BBC journalist Fergal Keane is at the forefront of a campaign to get the British government to pardon Private Daly, who was repatriated to Ireland on the 50th anniversary of his execution and laid to rest in his home town.

Nationwide is broadcast at 7pm on RTÉ 1 this evening.