Small collection of items relating to conscientious objection including a typescript copy of a diary of an objector's experiences, printed extracts from a soldier of the battlefields of France and a dietary sheet for Walton Prison, Liverpool
Conscientious objection and the First World War
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- ReferenceGB 50 U DX156
- Dates of Creation1916-1917
- Language of MaterialEnglish
- Physical Description4 items
Scope and Content
Administrative / Biographical History
In March 1916 the Military Service Act allowed conscientious objectors, who could convince a military service tribunal, to be exempt from service but required service as a civilian or as a non-combatant in the army. It is estimated that there were about 16,000 conscientious objectors, with a large number being Quakers, about a third were forced into the army and then imprisoned if they continued to refuse orders.
Many objectors faced harsh imprisonment, with many dying as a result of their treatment those assigned to non-combatant roles were often given dangerous tasks for example as stretcher-bearers.
Access Information
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Custodial History
Donated by TDW Reid, Stockport, 15 February 1983