Manx Conscientious Objectors : Enemies of War by John Manley
Published Dec 2024
Most histories of the two world wars focus on those who fought.
Little has been written to date about the dissenting voice of the courageous people who took a principled stand against war to the extent of refusing to take up arms, whatever the consequences might be..
These men have been overlooked, and their records destroyed.
This book seeks to redress the balance by portraying some of the fascinating stories of the Manx men who, because of their religious and political convictions, bravely defied conscription during both world wars.
The story of Manx First World War conscientious objectors is a very dramatic one, involving derision, abuse, isolation and long terms of imprisonment. These men were among the first conscientious objectors in Britain and their trailblazing stand against conscription came at a time when jingoism was at its height, and thousands of young British men were being slaughtered in the trenches of northern France.
The First World War conscientious objectors, and their Second World War colleagues, were vilified to an appalling extent, ostracised by family and friends, and subjected to employment and electoral discrimination.
Only now is the story of these brave men, and their extraordinary principles, being revealed.
Paperback