Conscientious Objectors in WWI How were they Treated

Conscientious Objectors in WWI How were they Treated and Was it Fair? 1 www. cymrudrosheddwch. org @Cymru. Heddwch www. walesforpeace. org @Walesfor. Peace

Some Questions to Consider…. . • Think about the choices people are forced to make in wartime (using the First World War as an example) • What does this mean to us today, and what is your personal point of view?

The Military Service Act, 1916 Men between 18 and 41 had to join the armed forces.

There were different reasons for men not to join the armed forces - e. g. ill-health Work of national importance Business obligations Conscientious objection

Conscientious objectors believed that their conscience would not allow them to take part in a war. They believed this for different reasons which included religious, political or moral principles.

Local Tribunals • Their purpose – to look into appeals to be exempted from military service – and to make a decision • Included local people – e. g. business men, shopkeepers, landowners, ex-army officers… • Tended to be ‘patriotic’ and in favour of the war • One member elected by the army with the right to question every candidate • Some women

The Tribunals – Some Questions that were asked 1. On what grounds to you want to be exempted? 2. Do you belong to a church or chapel? 3. Would you not kill a German? 4. Do you kill rabbits? 5. What would you do if you met a lion on the street? 6. What would you do if the Kaiser came in through the window and attacked your sister?

Conscientious Objectors – their treatment in prison Find out about the treatment of COs in prison by looking at some case studies – e. g. - George M Ll Davies: https: //wciavoices. wordpress. com/2016/03/16/george-m -ll-davies-1880 -1949/ - Emrys Hughes: https: //wciavoices. wordpress. com/2016/03/07/emrys-hughes -2/ - Merfyn Turner & Dyfnallt Morgan (WWII): https: //wciavoices. wordpress. com/2016/03/09/the-experiences-of-two-welshconscientious-objectors-in-wwii/

www. Walesfor. Peace. org www. Cymrudros. Heddwch. org