World War 1 Conscientious Objectors

[Lumber-Jack]

I know it will not win a popularity contest but sometimes research takes us to the unexpected! So, does anyone know how to find or search the prison records of WW1 conscientious objectors who were UK citizens? Thanks. Lumber-Jack

[Isles]

I cannot answer your question about prison sentences but during WWI, employers, in some cases, sought exemption or temporary exemption for an employee who they felt was essential for their business.  In the one case of conscientious objection of which I have read, the person agreed to serve in a non-combatant role, i.e. the Royal Army Medical Corps.  If you are looking for a particular person, I suggest a trawl through the local paper but someone else may know of a list of conscientious objectors (or "conchies" as they were termed) who were imprisoned.

Isles.
 

[liverpool annie]

Hi  Lumber-Jack !

This is just general information that may give you some ideas of how to go further !

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conscientious_objector

If you go to the Great War Forum - and search for conscientious objectors - you'll find quite a few posting about the same - you might try asking your question there also

http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/

Annie 

[casalguidi]

Hi Jack

Have you read the National Archives leaflet on the subject

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/rdleaflet.asp?sLeafletID=25

Casalguidi

[Lumber-Jack]

Thanks for all your  responses to my search for prison listings of WW1 conscientious objectors. I appreciate all the suggestions and have followed up.The prospect  looks somewhat bleak but I read the Archives review document and it holds the faint hope that some local records offices did not "follow instructions" and destroy records of tribunal hearings. I am looking in particular for records which would be for  tribunals for persons living in Northumberland . Does anyone know whether the records offices in Newcastle or Morpeth still hold this material? The family lore is that the individual did spend time in prison , so are there also prison records? Thanks very much , Lumber-Jack

[Wendi]

Hi Lumber-Jack

Your profile does not say where you are  (don't worry it's my own private harp) but if you google for the local libraries in Newcastle and Morpeth you may gain some lead.  If you are out of country I'd say email, pleading distance, you never know who might pick your email up - what have you got to lose? 

If your in country pick up the phone, people have this lovely way of wanting to help

Good luck

Wendi

[acorngen]

And what better place to start than www.genuki.org.uk

Rob

[Fitzjohn]

Thanks for all your  responses to my search for prison listings of WW1 conscientious objectors. I appreciate all the suggestions and have followed up.The prospect  looks somewhat bleak but I read the Archives review document and it holds the faint hope that some local records offices did not "follow instructions" and destroy records of tribunal hearings. I am looking in particular for records which would be for  tribunals for persons living in Northumberland . Does anyone know whether the records offices in Newcastle or Morpeth still hold this material? The family lore is that the individual did spend time in prison , so are there also prison records? Thanks very much , Lumber-Jack

The most useful web resource on Conscientious Objection generally is the Peace Pledge Union:  www.ppu.org.uk/coproject

Follow the links to contact the Archivist, and ask for a search to be made on the CO database, currently including 3600 British WW1 COs.  Even if the name is not there, general research advice can be given.

Fitzjohn

[Lumber-Jack]

Thanks a lot Fitzjohn, I will go there. Best Wishes for the Season, Lumber-Jack