Walter Middleton Bradley

Failsworth Tribunal 15 March 1916
Reported Oldham Chronicle 18 March 1916

Several conscientious objectors appeared before the Failsworth Tribunal on Wednesday evening. They were all, with one exception, members of the No-Conscription Fellowship and they were accompanied by a large number of supporters, amongst whom were several women. These supporters made themselves rather a nuisance at times, making audible comments as the cases were being heard and on one occasion the chairman had to call them to order and threaten to clear the room.

All the applicants gave notice of appeal to a higher tribunal. The chair was occupied by the Mayor, Councillor E Taylor.

The first case taken was one in which a man named Walter Middleton Bradley of 41 Hulton-street applied for exemption because he abhorred war and the only way to prevent it was by increasing the number of objectors.

The Chairman: How long is it since you began to hold a conscientious objection?
- Since the war started it has been brought home to me.
You did not think this way for a number of years prior to the war?
- No, I did not realise what war meant.
Lieutenant Pool: Do you belong to any sect or society?
Do you belong to the No-Conscription Fellowship?
- Yes
How long have you been a member of it?
- Almost nine months.
Bradley said he head two younger brothers, neither of whom was of military age. He had no father but had a mother.
Lieutenant Pool: Do you think it is a good thing for her son to refuse to fight for her, if necessary to save her life?
- She has said she can look after herself and she has not encouraged me to go. She does not believe in it.
She has no objection then, to fighting for herself, is that what you mean?
- I cannot say.
Councillor Johnson: Do you refuse to fight for your mother?
- I refuse to take part in the war at all.
If the Germans were at your door to-morrow, would you refuse?
- I cannot answer supposition questions like that. I do not know what I should do. I should have to do the best that was in me.
Lieutenant Pool: I do not think you are convinced yourself. If a man came and hit you between the eyes, what would you do?
- I cannot say what I should do.
Lieutenant Pool: So far as I am concerned, I should give you an opportunity of altering your views.

The tribunal decided not to grant exemption.

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Born Failsworth, June quarter 1890
Died Oldham, 9 June 1922. He died in the Oldham Union

1911 census
41 Hulton Street, Failsworth
Single with widowed mother and siblings
Occ: Shop assistant, furnishers

1939 register Deceased

Contributed by Dorothy Bintley