The former head of the Australian War Memorial is appealing to the ABC over a controversial allegation about Australian soldiers.

The article was based on an account from an unnamed US Marine who alleged November Platoon executed a prisoner in Afghanistan in 2012.

Ben Fordham is encouraging listeners to sign the petition calling on the Federal Government to launch an independent review into the story.

The Marine did not witness the execution but heard a “pop” over the radio which he assumed was a gunshot.

At no stage did the Marine report this to his superiors, and waited eight years before telling the story to the ABC.

Multiple November Platoon members have told Ben Fordham Live that the claims were not true.

So-called ‘Soldier 2’ told Ben Fordham “these allegations are just crazy”.

“There’s no grey area here … this did not happen.

“The allegations … it’s a slap in the face.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview

The former head of the Australian War Memorial, Dr Brendan Nelson, told Ben Fordham the media has to be careful when making such allegations.

“I stand very strongly by the men of the SAS.

“I do very strongly belive that we have to be very careful … in doing anything at all to tear down these people.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview

Image: Getty