Use specific records

A good starting point for any search is the Peace Pledge Union (www.ppu.org.uk), which has Britain’s most comprehensive database of conscientious objectors from both world wars.

The PPU already has 5,000 names, including individuals who signed up for the military willingly and then became objectors during their period of active service.

Other items on specific objectors, including correspondence and audio interviews, can be found at:

The National Archives in London
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
Also holds records of around 40 per cent of the soldiers from the First World War who were compulsorily enlisted.

The Liddle Collection at Leeds
www.leeds.ac.uk/library/spcoll/liddle/index.htm

The Imperial War Museum
www.leeds.ac.uk/library/spcoll/liddle/index.htm

The Ministry of Defence’s Army Record Centre, in Hayes, London
http://govt-files.com/uk-military-records.htm
Includes details of non-combatant objectors from the Second World War.