John and Frank Diamond were Conscientious Objectors with both a religious and political objection to military service. The Diamond brothers .were living and working in Glasgow when conscription was introduced into law in 1916, and were staunch members of the Independent Labour Party and Roman Catholic Church.

Frank, 21 in 1916 was only caught up in the conscription system in mid-1917. This relatively late date may also suggest he had managed to evade conscription altogether throughout 1916, either due to his work or by going on the run. A widespread sympathy for ILP and Socialist COs in Glasgow made for a significant underground network that allowed COs to evade the authorities, sometimes for the entire war.

However he had managed to avoid conscription in 1916 and the early part of 17, it did not last, and Frank was arrested as an Absentee from the army in Glasgow in June 1917. A swift trial followed, resulting in a fine and an escort to the Army. William was shortly after handed over to the military. Refusing to compromise with military authorities and their attempt to turn him into a fighting member of the Highland Light Infantry, Frank refused to obey any orders and faced a court martial shortly after his arrival with the regiment at the Currie barracks on the 12th June 1917. The Court martial sentenced him to six months hard labour, to be Served in Wormwood Scrubs.

At Wormwood Scrubs, John was passed suitable for the Home Office Scheme and was transferred to Dartmoor Camp in August, where it is likely that he stayed until the end of the war. Conditions at the camps, while still punishing and harsh, were significantly better than those in prison and many COs found the marginal compromise they were asked to make - better conditions in exchange for useful labour - was acceptable to their conscience. If Frank did stay at the Dartmoor camp, it is likely that he was released to return home in mid to late 1919, well after the war had ended.