Was it common in the thirties and forties for armies to shoot dead enemy soldiers?

by conradsymes

I'm just asking because I watched Pan's Labyrinth and Enemy at the Gates, and they both involve that.

Any reason why?

Buster_Nutt

I don't think I understand the question. Isn't that their job?

Edit: I re-read the question. I think it is to make sure they are not pretending to be dead in order to launch a surprise attack or escape.

ChazR
<please delete this> Search for "rules of engagement." Most military engagements throughout history have had some form of implicit or explicit limit on what is acceptable.

But, if you mean "Is it OK to shoot soldiers who look dead" - then, yes! Soldiers are trained to eliminate threats in combat. "Looks dead" is more of a threat than "Looks dead, plus two bullets in the head."

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