Conscientious objectors WWII

[BethM]

Hi
has anyone ever researched conscientious objectors in thier families, it is believed that my Grandfather was in the second world war.

he was 30 when the war broke out and was never in the armed forces - im just wondering if any information exists anywhere which may help to answer this mystery -
now its possible he was medically unfit to fight, but given his history of being a member of the co-operative movement, and attending quaker meetings - im tempted to believe this..

we have no supporting documents at all - any pointers would be gratefully recieved.

Info:
Claude Draper
Born 1908
East Grinstead

thanks

Beth

[Swampy]

Hi Beth,

I regret that I can't answer your question with any degree of authority, but there is a World War 2 message board (very similar to Rootschat, but specializing in the last war), that would be an excellent place for you to start. If nobody there can assist you, try the Imperial War Museum in Lambeth, who are always very helpful.

World War 2 Talk Forum:

http://wwiiforum.com

Hope that helps!

Regards,
Swampy

[Nick Carver]

Quakers were recognised as conscientious objectors, but that didn't exempt them from the war altogether. Many COs were stretcher bearers and performed a very brave and necessary function. I am sure I have read somewhere that if the authorities thought you were trying it on, that you would be put into gaol. Being a CO certainly didn't mean that the people concerned could forget about the war and get on with their own lives.

[KathyM]

My grandma had a brother - who she told me was a concientous objector - he was a very shy, quiet lad, who was the baby of the family and as she put ot 'a gentle soul'.  When war broke out he was horrified and could not come to terms with anyone wanting to harm another human being.....In her documents I have a registration card for him - he was arrested by the authorities, but wouldn't 'talk to anyone' - he was interred in a mental hospital - where he was put on medication and there he remained for the rest of his life, until he died aged 60.  He came to stay with my grandma and her family from time to time, and I can remember visits to see him with my Gran when I was a little girl.

 - Gran was heart broken about this all her life, but could not secure his release.  It makes me tearful thinking about it !

[Mobo]

 
Oh !  what a very sad story Kathy - mmm - makes you think doesn't it ?

 

[familysearcher]

my grandfather was a CO during the first world war - and spent time in prison for it.

Re the Quakers - one of our 'testimonies' is to pacifism, and to this end many quakers have refused to fight.  now they're pushing for a peace tax - to divert money spent on defence to peaceful ends.

if you find a Quaker CO in your tree you may be able to get more information at Quaker.org.uk - although i don't know for sure that central records were kept.

[BethM]

Thanks for your replies,
i'll keep hunting to see what i turn up

[Fitzjohn]

Hi
has anyone ever researched conscientious objectors in thier families, it is believed that my Grandfather was in the second world war.

he was 30 when the war broke out and was never in the armed forces - im just wondering if any information exists anywhere which may help to answer this mystery -
now its possible he was medically unfit to fight, but given his history of being a member of the co-operative movement, and attending quaker meetings - im tempted to believe this..

we have no supporting documents at all - any pointers would be gratefully recieved.

Info:
Claude Draper
Born 1908
East Grinstead

thanks

Beth

Yes, the Peace Pledge Union is undertaking continuous research into British conscientious objectors of all periods, and is compiling a comprehensive database of all COs who can be traced.

www.ppu.org.uk/coproject

Fitzjohn

[Fitzjohn]

My grandma had a brother - who she told me was a concientous objector - he was a very shy, quiet lad, who was the baby of the family and as she put ot 'a gentle soul'.  When war broke out he was horrified and could not come to terms with anyone wanting to harm another human being.....In her documents I have a registration card for him - he was arrested by the authorities, but wouldn't 'talk to anyone' - he was interred in a mental hospital - where he was put on medication and there he remained for the rest of his life, until he died aged 60.  He came to stay with my grandma and her family from time to time, and I can remember visits to see him with my Gran when I was a little girl.

 - Gran was heart broken about this all her life, but could not secure his release.  It makes me tearful thinking about it !

Have you checked to see whether your great uncle is recorded in the CO database of the Peace Pledge Union?  One of the purposes of the database is to make a permanent record for posterity of all those who upheld the the right to refuse to kill.  Contact

www.ppu.org.uk/coproject