THE MEN WHO SAID NO | ROAD TO CONSCRIPTION | CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION | PRISONS | SENTENCED TO DEATH | TRIBUNALS | WIDER CONTEXT | INDEX
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THE MEN WHO SAID NO | ROAD TO CONSCRIPTION | CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION | PRISONS | SENTENCED TO DEATH | TRIBUNALS | WIDER CONTEXT | INDEX |
| SYDNEY CHARLES GILL 1881 |
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| Syndey Gill was an "Absolutist" Conscientious Objector, one who refused to do any work that would aid the military in any way. Like the 6,000 other Absolutist COs, this attitude soon found him on the wrong side of the military authorities. After his local Tribunal hearing in early 1916, Sydney was sent to the London Regiment and expected to take up a combatant role as a fighting soldier. He refused to do so, and made his objection clear by refusing to obey orders. The order that he refused seems small and petty - ignoring an order to assist the battalion cooks in washing and transporting camp kettles - but was an important first step in resistance to the military. Refusing even this pointless order saw Sydney brought in front of a Court Martial which sentenced him to 6 months hard labour in Wormwood Scrubs prison. At his court martial, Sydney still refused to give any evidence in his defence, showing his disregard for the military system. Small acts like this, refusing orders, refusing to participate in a court martial, even not signing documents, were powerful statements that a CO did not intend to aid the military in their attempt to force them into fighting and killing during the war. Sydney's stand was made of small actions, but sent a clear and important message of his determination to resist warfare.
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