Albert Minikin

Middleton Tribunal 23 March 1916
Reported Oldham Standard 24 March 1916

Several conscientious objectors appeared before the Middleton Tribunal on Thursday at which the Mayor (Alderman Wm. Wiggins) presided …

… The next appeal was that of Albert Minikin of Long-street, Middleton who claimed absolute exemption on the grounds that he had an absolute conscientious objection to taking human life. He could not assist in the taking of human life. He could not take part in the war. It would be wrong for him to help in any way.

The Chairman: Is the objection borne upon long standing conviction?
- Yes, since I had reasoning powers.
How long is that?
- The last few years.
Mr Clark: What has led to that conviction?
- The literature I have read.
The Chairman: It is not sufficient to say you have a conscientious objection. You have to prove it.
- I don't see how I can prove it.
Councillor Monk: Are you a member of any organisation tht is opposed to military service?
- I am a member of the No-Conscription Fellowship.
The Chairman: but that is only since the Military Service Bill came in?
- Yes, certainly.
Mr Ashworth: Have you any proof that you held the views before the war?
- Yes, my father has taught me to absolutely hate war.
The Chairman: Have you reasoned it out with yourself?
- Yes.
What are your conclusions?
- I have no right to take human life.
Kill nothing?
- No, not human life.
Do you think it is wrong for the Germans to kill us?
- They would nt kill us if we did not try to kill them.
You are suggesting that we started the war.
- No I don't think so.
Mr Ashworth: Is your objection against this war?
- No, any war.
The Chairman: Has this arisen since the war began or since the Military Service Act came in?
- No , before the war, only it has never come more markedly before me than during this war.
Mr Clark: Have you no friends in the army?
- Yes, plenty.
Have you tried to dissuade them from joining the army?
- No. I never thought it my duty to interfere with them. They thought it was right to join the army and I did not try to stop them.
Applicant said that he could not make shells as he considered that the one who made the shells was as responsible as the one who fired them.
Mr Ashworth: Are you prepared to accept non combatant service?
- No, I am not.

Applicant added that he thought the Germans would not invade this country.
The Mayor: Do you believe that if we had no army and no navy the Germans would not have invaded this country?
- Yes, I believe that.

Applicant was granted exemption from combatant service only.

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Born Salford, 20 September 1887
Died Middleton September qtr 1959

1911 census
181 Oldham Road, Middleton
with wife Eda and father in law, no children
Occ. Cardroom jobber

1939 report
181 Oldham Road, Middleton
with wife, no children listed
Occ. Jig dyer, Yorks Dyeing and Finishing Co.

Contributed by Dorothy Bintley