Courage Takes Many Forms
The Untold Story of British Conscientious Objectors in the Second World War
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Yale University Press
Publishing:26th Jan '27
£20.00
This title is due to be published on 26th January, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
A hugely original and engaging history of conscientious objectors in the Second World War
One percent of all men conscripted in Britain during the Second World War conscientiously objected. However, the stories of the 60,000 men, four times as many as in WWI, who chose to say “no” to armed combat remain largely unknown.
Linsey Robb uncovers the experiences of the individuals who, driven by their convictions, chose the path of conscientious objection during one of the most tumultuous periods in modern history. Robb reveals how objectors made vital contributions to the war effort: working the land, tending the sick and serving as non-combatants in the army.
This compelling account captures the internal struggles faced by objectors as the scale of the war’s destruction and Nazi atrocities became apparent. Many objectors grappled with the consequences of their convictions, often channelling that reflection into humanitarian work to help mend the damage the conflict had caused. This is a gripping, surprising story of how thousands of men objected and contributed to their country at war.
“This book examines a figure that has long been missing from our stories of Britain’s Second World War: the male Conscientious Objector. Drawing on a wide range of sources, Robb’s important history of these men, their beliefs and experiences enriches and expands our knowledge of the society that fought the Second World War.”—Lucy Noakes, author of The People’s Victory
“This is a powerful contribution to Second World War social history. Robb illuminates the experiences of Britain’s conscientious objectors with clarity, empathy, and scholarly depth. This book is essential reading for scholars of the Second World War.”—Alison Chand, author of Masculinities on Clydeside
“Drawing on an impressive range of source material, this fascinating study sheds new light on a long-overlooked topic. Robb demonstrates with clarity and conviction how courage did indeed take many forms.”—Juliette Pattinson, author of Women of War
“Robb combines meticulous research and nuanced analysis to tremendous effect. She convincingly demonstrates that the experiences of conscientious objectors were an important and revealing part of Britain’s war effort.”—David Littlewood, author of Military Service Tribunals and Boards in the Great War
ISBN: 9780300285086
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
256 pages