The most extreme example of brutality was possibly the case of the Richmond Sixteen, who were sent against their will to France with the Non-Combatant Corps in June 1916 and sentenced to death for refusing to obey orders.
Although a reprieve commuted their sentence to 10 years’ imprisonment, this decision was made only after one of the men threw a note from a train window to reveal their plight.
Despite their common portrayal at the time as cowards, the bravery and determination shown by many objectors in standing up for their beliefs led many people, even soldiers and politicians, to develop an admiration for them. Many ‘‘conchies’’ ended up at the front line, serving as stretcher bearers in organisations such as the Friends Ambulance Unit. Many men were killed while demonstrating considerable courage under fire.
The massive loss of life which resulted from the First World War encouraged much public sympathy with the cause of pacifism in the Twenties and Thirties. It meant the outbreak of the Second World War would be marked by a more sympathetic system of conscription and a significantly greater awareness of the legitimacy of conscientious objection.
War letter home: ‘No man has an ounce of patriotism left’
In a gushing letter to his future wife, Cpl Rowlands reveals how – with political and religious allegiances dwindling – front line soldiers came close to giving up the fight
By 1918, British and Commonwealth soldiers on the Western Front were weary. Arras, Ypres and Cambrai left them desperately tired and wondering if the war would ever end. The BEF needed time to recuperate. Instead, it was forced to extend its line south across the Somme to relieve the hard-pressed French. The men of Haig’s army remained committed to the war. The grand political ideals that inspired so many to join up may have disappeared, but there were no rumblings of mutiny. The war had simply become a matter of personal integrity – of seeing it through for yourself, your comrades and your people back home. These sentiments were expressed in a letter written by Cpl Laurie Rowlands to his future wife on February 5, 1918. Although jaded and politically disillusioned, Rowlands, who was serving near Peronne in France with the 15th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, remained a strong fighting soldier. Only three months later, he was severely wounded during the great German attacks but awarded the Military Medal for his bravery.
Sweetheart Mine!
Now – barring accidents – you will get to know all about it! I know you’ll have a big surprise when you get this letter. I hope it lands without mishap. If anybody in authority was to see it!
… Perhaps you would like to know something of the spirit of the men out here now. Well! the truth is (and, as I said before, I’d be shot if anyone of importance collared this missive!) every man Jack is fed up almost past bearing, and not a single one has an ounce of what we call patriotism left in him. No-one cares a rap whether Germany has Alsace, Belgium or France, too, for that matter! All that every man desires now is to get done with it and go home. Now that’s the honest truth and any man who has been out within the last few months will tell you the same. In fact – and this is no exaggeration – the greatest hope of a great majority of the men is that rioting and revolt at home will force the Government to “pack in” on any terms. Now you’ve got the real state of affairs – “right from the horse’s mouth”, as it were.
I may add that I, too, have lost pretty nearly all the patriotism that I had left. It’s just the thought of you all over there – you who love me and trust me to do my share in the job that is necessary for your safety and freedom – it’s just that that keeps me going and enables me to “stick it”. As for religion – God forgive us all! – it hasn’t a place in one out of a million of the thoughts that hourly occupy men’s minds. The Padres – and it’s anything but pleasant to say so – but they absolutely fail to keep up a shred of their church’s reputation. Nay! Behind the line every man – and it’s almost without exception – relies solely on DRINK for his relaxation, amusement, pleasure – everything! Ay!
Girlie mine, it’s ghastly! But! – thank God for those dear ones at home who love true and trust absolutely in the strength, the courage and the fidelity of those who are far away ’midst danger and death! These are my mainstays, and thoughts of them always come to stay me and buck me up when I most feel like chucking it up and letting things slide. God bless you darling, and all those I love and who love me, for without their love and trust I would faint and fall. But don’t worry Dear Heart o’ Mine, for I shall “carry on” to the end – be it bitter or sweet – with my loved ones ever my first thought and care, my guide, inspiration and spur. Au revoir, my own sweetheart, and God will keep you safe till the storm is over.
With all my heart’s deepest love,
Your own loving
Laurie
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