'THE GREAT WAR', 'THE WAR TO END WAR', 'WORLD WAR 1'
'What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?
- Only the monstrous anger of the guns.'
from 'Anthem for Doomed Youth'
by Wilfred Owen
CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION IN WW1
Thomas Berry
Oldham Tribunal 4 January 1917 Thomas Berry of Moorside, Oldham, employed by Messrs Thomas Mellodew and Co's Moorside Mills, appealed for exemption on conscientious grounds. He is 40 years of age and single. He wrote that he could not take any part in war. He believed in the brotherhood of man and could not take any part in human slaughter. He declined to sully his conscience by taking any part in war. Asked if he had been to Ashton to be medically examined he said he had not, he had an objection to going. He was not a member of any religious organisation but always tried to live a good and sober life. He was willing to continue at his present occupation or some form of work of national importance. He had been at Moorside Mill for 8 months having previously worked in Atherton and Leigh. He was ordered to serve as a non combatant. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Not found in 1911 census Not found 1939 register Contributed by Dorothy Bintley |
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