For years before the start of the 1914-1918 war countless thousands of men and women across Europe campaigned against the roots of war [1] and finally the war itself.

As the war progressed the deaths and injuries mounted and the volunteer numbers shrank to a trickle. The army wanted replacement for the large number of men killed and injured. The stage was set for the passing of the Military Act, which forced men to be trained and ultimately kill 'the enemy'; many did in prodigious numbers.

Between May 1916 and the armistice in 1918 over 20,000 men [2] refused to be conscripted into the British army - men who for one reason or another believed that it was wrong to kill their fellow men and many believed that war was not solution to any problem.

Our aim is to make sure that their stand is rememberred, understood and celebrated. A new website with this in mind is being constructed. This is a major enterprise not least because very little is know about most of these men and their families. We look to families, supporters and those interested in revelaing this little know part of the First World War.

We are looking for people who might be relative of COs who could let us know about their relatives. We are also looking for people who would be interested in doing some research in their local history libraries and other places.

If you would like to help we would very much like to hear from you. You can contact us here.
Donation small or large are also welcome. You can make one off donations here of by cheque to the Peace Pledge Union at the address below.

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