January 1916 was a turning point in British history. For the first time military service was made compulsory and men who did not volunteer to join the armed services were called to account in Military Service Tribunals. Many men claimed exemption for practical reasons but a valiant few insisted on their right to refuse for reasons of conscience. Becoming a conscientious objector in World War One was a lonely path to follow. Vilified in public and mistreated in detention conscientious objectors paid a price for their stance.

Wartime jingoism faded with the end of war and the nation turned to the search for peace. When war broke out again in 1939 conscription was renewed and tribunal hearings were re-established. But this time conscientious objectors were treated with greater respect and were better supported by a range of church and secular organisations. In both wars Quaker action was notable, especially in the part played by the Friends Ambulance Unit.

This study is focused on Herefordshire, a rural county where the needs of agriculture vied with military conscription throughout both wars.