His job as an export merchant allowed Roderic to take part in many voluntary activities as a Young Quaker. In 1914 he assisted in drafting the call for Christian Pacifism widely circulated to young men of military age. A member of FOR and of the No Conscription Council, he trained volunteers at Jordans for Quaker relief work in Britain and Europe. Called up in 1916, he was initially granted unconditional exemption, however this was rescinded on appeal. Five subsequent Court Martials resulted in imprisonment for 2½ years in total before his release in April 1919.