Conscientious Objectors & "Indispensibles"

A rare letter supporting conscientious objectors was published on 29th June 1917. The author contrasted their stance against those who, as he saw it, attempted to portray themselves as among the “indispensibles.”

“FIT MEN FIRST.

“I disagree with many correspondents respecting the status of the conscientious objector. For my part I feel more respect for people who have the courage of their opinions than for the thousands of cowardly slackers who have from the very first shielded themselves in shops and offices, so-called indispensables, I know a score or two myself, and not one of them is a poor man, and not one is doing or has done a single stroke for his country’s good since the war started. — J. P. S.”

'Nottingham Evening Post', 29th June 1917.