On This Day, 9 February 1917

Birmingham Daily Gazette

Friday 9 February 1917

THREE OBJECTORS.

CONSCIENCE MEN DISLIKE NON-COMBATANT WORK

Three conscientious objectors appeared before the County Appeal Tribunal at the Birmingham Council House last evening. An 18-year-old advertising clerk said that non-combatant service granted by the Local Tribunal did not satisfy him. He would not be acting in keeping with his ideal to bring about ‘God’s kingdom upon earth. The appeal was dismissed, the Chairman remarking, “You are at the disposal of the country for non-combatant service.” Another appellant said had been an attendant at the Birmingham Socialist Church since 1902. The Local Tribunal was not satisfied that he was a conscientious objector. Captain Sydenham (military representative) said the Socialist Church was nothing but a hotbed of politics, and had as much religion in it as the Council Chamber. That was a political objection. The appellant said war was morally bad from beginning end. Exemption from combatant service was ordered.

The appeal of an 18-year-old applicant who said he was a Seventh Day Adventist, and who had been granted non-combatant service by the Local Tribunal, was refused.