Once hopes of a swift success on the Western Front in WW1 had been dashed, the country was to face a prolonged war and conscription became a necessary step to boost the number of soldiers and hasten a victory.
The Military Service Act came into force on March 2nd 1916 but neither the Government nor the military services had considered properly how they would deal with those who objected to military service for reasons of conscience.
There were many justifications for refusing to fight. The most common was that war and the act of killing were inconsistent with most religious teaching. Many followed this conviction despite their respective churches often supporting the government's position. Others made a political argument against the war.
Local tribunals were established to decide between ''conscience or cowardice''. It was down to the individual objector to demonstrate ''proof'' of their beliefs, which was a far from straightforward task given the intangible nature of a person's conscience.
Alison Wilcox, from the University of Winchester, will give an insight into Conscientious Objectors, the local tribunal system and the fate of men imprisoned in Winchester prison.
This talk, the latest in an occasional series of events relating to Buriton's involvement in the First World War, will begin at 7.30pm in St Mary's Church.
Admission is free with donations at the end going to good causes.
Anyone is welcome.
