Oldham Historical Research Group

'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

John Holland

Middleton Tribunal 23 March 1916
Reported Oldham Chronicle 24 March 1916

The first conscientious objectors to appear before the Middleton Recruiting Tribunal attended the sitting on Thursday … In each case notice of appeal was given …

… A man named John Holland of 53 Joshua-lane, Middleton Junction, who was a conscientious claimant wrote to say he had now got a position in a shell making establishment at Miles Platting. In his claim he stated that if he had to join any of the ranks his physical powers would become "a total wreck".

The Tribunal postponed the claim to make inquiries about the firm.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Born Chadderton, 11 June 1889
Died Not found

1911 census
53 Joshua Lane, Middleton Junction
Single with parents and 5 younger siblings
Occ: Cotton spinner

1939 register
Not found

Contributed by Dorothy Bintley

Return to :
link to Local CO list

If you can add to our information about any of the local Conscientious Objectors in WW1 we would love to hear from you.
Email

If you have Oldham and District items that we can include on our website, PLEASE visit the information page to find out how you can help.

link to home page
WW1 menu page
WW1 links page