Memorial call for those who opposed First World War

The Jimmy Reid Foundation has asked Glasgow City Council to erect a plaque to commemorate those who opposed the outbreak of the First World War, as a way to counteract the 'official' commemorations next year. The full story is at www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/city-memorial-call-for-those-who-opposed-first-world-war.21801235. The foundation has also set up an 'Alternative World War One Commemoration Committee'.

COMMENT: Whilst I am one hundred per cent behind the plans to commemorate the sacrifices made by people doing what they were asked to do in the name of duty, every story has many sides to it, and many did oppose the war, not least conscientious objectors. For records of those who were conscientious objectors in Middlesex, tribunal papers have survived (see www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/looking-for-person/conscientiousobjectors.htm), whilst in Scotland, military service tribunal papers also survive for Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders, and also Ross, Cromarty and Sutherland (see www.nas.gov.uk/about/081103.asp). Most other tribunal papers have unfortunately been destroyed.

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!