Conscientious Objectors Sentenced to Death

Conscientious Objectors Sentenced to Death

In May 1916 there was a sudden transfer of a group of Conscientious Objectors to France. They came from Landguard Fort, Harwich, from Richmond Castle, Yorks and from Seaford some fifty men, thirty five of whom were later to receive the death sentence. The military authorities appeared to be attempting to coerce the men into military service. In June the men were tried at a series of courts-martial. They were taken out to the parade ground to hear their sentences. For each one an officer read out their various crimes – refusing to obey a lawful command, disobedience and so on – and then: ‘The sentence of the court is to suffer death by being shot’. After a moment the officer added ‘But subsequently commuted to penal servitude for 10 years’.

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