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WW1 Conscientious Objectors Faced Danger on Sussex Coast
19 Jul
Summary
- Conscientious objectors in World War One were housed in Sussex military camps.
- Men refused to fight on religious, political, or moral grounds.
- Objectors faced jeers and hostility while in Sussex work camps.
The coast of Sussex served as an unexpected hub for conscientious objectors during World War One. While towns like Newhaven, Denton, and Seaford were recognized for their military camps, they also accommodated men who refused to participate in combat.
Around 16,000 individuals declined to bear arms due to religious, political, or moral convictions, leading to 6,000 being imprisoned. Historians note the substantial tensions and precarious situation for these objectors.
Three categories of conscientious objectors existed: absolutists, who refused all military association; alternativists, who performed non-military duties like supply or medical services; and non-combatants, who served under army control.
Research into work camps in East Sussex reveals that conscientious objectors were housed in tents with minimal provisions. Their journeys to these camps could be challenging, with some facing jeers and projectile harassment.
