The resisters: Reluctant recruit who died a hero

Published on Wednesday 10 November 2010 18:08

Some who resisted conscription went on to serve with distinction in the First World War, according to the files.

The records show they included Duncan Campbell Cargill, a clerk from Edinburgh, who appealed against conscription to the Military Appeals Tribunal. He later joined the Seaforth Highlanders, became a lieutenant, and in October 1918 won the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry. He was killed in action on 2 November, just nine days before the Armistice.

In another case, Archibald Brown Naysmith, 20, a postman from Musselburgh, had his appeal against military service on the grounds of conscientious objection to the war quickly dismissed. The military representative on the tribunal stated: "This man would make a splendid soldier. He has a fine physique and just wants the nonsense knocked out of him."

The army's desperation was illustrated in the case of Rinhold Charles Krause, a Portobello van driver of German descent, who had lost most of his left hand in an accident. He applied for exemption on grounds of his German lineage and disability, but was sent to the Front,