Oldham Historical Research Group

'THE GREAT WAR', 'THE WAR TO END WAR', 'WORLD WAR 1'
'What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?
- Only the monstrous anger of the guns.'
from 'Anthem for Doomed Youth' by Wilfred Owen

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION IN WW1

William Henry Hatton

Oldham Tribunal 3 July 1916
Reported Oldham Chronicle 8 July 1916

Of 13 Montgomery Street, Oldham a draughtsman for switches and switch gear employed by Messrs Ferranti Ltd, Hollinwood.

He wrote that he had a religious and conscientious objection to all forms of military service … member of the Christadelphians.
It was pointed out to him that he worked at a controlled establishment.
Hatton said he had not taken a military oath and was prepared to leave.
He was presently employed drawing switch gear for an electric lighting and power station in France.

Chairman said draughtsman was just as essential as the man who made the tool. Hatton said he was simply against taking up the sword and swearing a military oath.

He was granted exemption from combatant service only.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Born Oldham, 3 Sep 1892
Died Oldham, 23 Oct 1947

1911 census:
8 Holt Lane Failsworth
Single with parents
Occ: Apprentice draughtsman

1939 38 Montgomery Street, Hollinwood, Oldham
Married to Mary E, no children listed
Occ: Chief draughtsman electrical engineers

Contributed by Dorothy Bintley

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