On This Day, 26 March 1918

Birmingham Mail

Tuesday 26 March 1918

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR AT EIGHTEEN

CASE BEFORE THE BIRMINGHAM TRIBUNAL.

In the First Court of the Birmingham Military Tribunal, held at the Council House, this morning, Mr. H. F. Keep presiding, a youth of 18, employed as a junior clerk, applied for exemption on conscientious grounds. He said he was a member of the Plymouth Brethren, and had a conscientious objection to taking part in any work that was connected with the war. He was not willing to join the R.A.M.C. because that was a war organisation.

The National Service representative objected to the appeal, arguing that it was absurd for boys to talk about this thing.

Miss Bartleet: What sacrifices have you made for your country? It is one thing to say you don’t agree with the Army. You must make sacrifices.

Applicant said he was willing to change his employment and do work of national importance so long as it was not connected with the prosecution of the war.

He was given exemption from combatant service.