Faith & Action: Quakers and the First World War

At the moment there is a very interesting exhibition relating to the First World War at the Birmingham museum and art gallery. Using original material it tells the story of Quakers in World War One and is particularly interesting in how it shows conscientious objectors doing lots of useful work towards the war effort and fights against the traditional prejudice and narrative that all conscientious objectors were cowards.

The exhibition is open daily 10-5 except Fridays when it opens slightly later at 10.30. It is based in the community gallery which is best accessed via the entrance on Great Charles Street. Entrance is free.

We also have a number of interesting books on the subject of conscientious objectors during World War One that are available to reserve including the excellent 'We Will Not Fight' by Will Ellsworth-Jones.

Overall, I think it is very important that the story of conscientious objectors whether religious or not is told and is made a part of our collective memory of WW1. Many conscientious objectors carried out vital war work including giving medical aid on the frontline and this should not be forgotten.