conscription and conscientious objectors

Question 1

gov introduced conscription

Answer 1

in 1916, when recruitment numbers were beginning to slow, the government introduced conscription where all single men aged 18-41 were called up to the army

later extended to ages 51

Question 2

military tribunals were established so conscientious objectors could put forward their case

Answer 2

eg that they were pacifist and/or an essential worker or unfit to serve - almost all cases were refused and men were offered non-competitive duties

Question 3

The NCF (No Conscription Fellowship) began in 1914 and spread to Scotland in 1915.

Answer 3

NCF supporters were condemned by popular newspapers as cowards, peace cranks and ‘pasty faces’.

Question 4

Across the UK, 5970 conscientious objectors went to prison

Answer 4

Prison conditions were harsh and at least 73 conscientious objectors died due to the treatment they received

Question 5

men objected to serve due to medical issues

Answer 5

18 year old Herbert Lionel Rosa Wilson appealed on medical grounds as his heart and stomach organs were deemed misplaced.

However, in 1918 more soldiers were needed so his appeal was refused.