Comrades in Conscience

[IanA]

This book, by Cyril Pearce (Francis Boutle Publishers, 2001, revised 2014) covers in considerable detail the organised opposition to the Great War in Huddersfield. A thoroughly researched book, with a multitude of footnotes, it still manages to read well and describes the vociferous objection the war itself and the subsequent struggle against conscription. There is very little personal detail but an exhaustive account of the various organised groups such as the Labour movement, Trades Council, No-Conscription Fellowship and No-Conscription Council. Pearce shows a town remarkably tolerant of radical socialist sentiment and largely free of jingoistic fervour. Once the Military Service Act, 1916, is passed, groups are organised to observe the proceedings of Military Service Tribunals (surprisingly humane) and advise conscientious objectors. This is essential reading for anyone interested in the social history of the war.