FIRST CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR TO DIE

Walter Roberts from Stockport was one of first conscientious objectors to face a Tribunal. He was also one of the first of many to die as a result of his imprisonment. Like many others who had languished in appalling conditions in prison or been sent to France to face execution and subsequently reprieved he was sent to Dyce Camp to break rocks.

'As I anticipated, it has only been a question of time for the camp conditions here to get the better of me. Bartle Wild is now writing to my dictation, as I am too weak to handle a pen myself. I don’t want you to worry yourself because the doctor says I have only got a severe chill, but it has reduced me very much. All these fellows here are exceedingly kind and are looking after me like bricks, so there is no reason why I should not be strong in a day of two, when I will write more personally and more fully.'
Letter from Walter to his mother 6 September 1916

Walter died two days after dictating this letter

Fenner Brockway writing in The Tribunal said Walter was 'the first of our members to meet his death in our fight against militarism.' Dyce camp was closed shortly after Walter's death.