Today in 1941, on August 13, Josef Jakobs received word that his petition for mercy to King George VI had been rejected.
Josef’s petition had wended its way through military, legal and political channels before finally being passed before the eyes of the King around August 9. None of the authorities had recommended mercy and King George VI did not deviate from their advice. He confirmed the finding of the court martial – death by shooting.
Josef’s last chance at life evaporated and on August 13, the military authorities began to make immediate preparations for his execution at the Tower of London.