Although many men signed up for the army in the early weeks of World War 1, as the reality of the war became clear at home, the number of volunteers rapidly fell. The war machine needed more men. In 1915 the Derby Scheme was introduced to register men for the armed forces and encourage recruitment. In early 1916 the Military Service Act became law introducing conscription for the first time in Britain. Under the terms of the Act men could apply for the status of conscientious objector. (CO).
To get this status they had to appear before a tribunal of local worthies. If exempted from military service as a CO there were a number of options – you could accept service in the Royal Army Medical Corps (under military discipline); you could agree to join a non-military organisation like the Friends’ Ambulance Service; you could accept transfer to ‘work of national importance’; or you could refuse to take any part in the war. Men who for moral, religious or political reasons took this last course were referred to as absolutists – they absolutely opposed the war.
Dozens of men from Bristol were imprisoned as absolutists from 1916 onwards. They were subjected to harsh conditions in prison and after the war many found it difficult to return to their jobs. They paid a great price for having the courage to stand up for their principles.
By following this link to the Bristol Radical History Group website you can read more and find a list of almost fifty men from Bristol who were imprisoned. There were certainly more. As the anniversary of the introduction of conscription approaches, we want to find out as much as possible about these men and their families. What led them to oppose the war? What happened when they appeared before the tribunals? What was their experience in prison? How were they treated after the war?
Please help us if you can. If you are interested in any of the men listed please get in touch and we can suggest ways you might find out more about them. If you know people interested in local history who might want to research any of them please send the link on to them. If you know of other men who were imprisoned please let us know.
For more information email rememberingrealww1@gmail.com