Conchies: Conscientious Objectors of the First World War

by Ann Kramer

When, at the height of the First World War, many Allied governments introduced conscription, there were thousands of individuals who, for personal or religious reasons, refused to fight. After tough questioning, some were exempted but the majority were forced into the army anyways. Those who 'refused to do their duty' were threatened with death sentences or harsh prison terms; many died from ill treatment. Conchies collects many of the moving true stories of these brave individuals.

Genres: World War I, History

99 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 12, 2013

About the author

Ann Kramer was born and educated in London but left school as soon as possible to work and travel; much later, as a ‘mature’ student, she gained an honours degree in history from Sussex University.

Her first job in publishing was as an editorial researcher, checking scripts for BBC quiz programmes. Subsequently she went freelance and worked as an editor with various publishing companies, including Diagram Visual Information, Dorling Kindersley, where she was the senior editor for DK’s Children’s Illustrated Encyclopedia, and Gaia. Increasingly, however, she concentrated on writing. For many years she wrote illustrated non-fiction books for children and young people, but now writes mainly for adults.

Reviews

[James Tidd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ann Kramer helps tell the stories of these remarkable men who bravely took a stand against war and refused to be conscripted. This book details the reasoning behind their decision and the way in which they were treated.

[Iñaki Tofiño · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very simple but interesting introduction to the pacifist movement during the I World War and the men and women involved in it.