Caption: The Whiteford brothers from Bristol, sporting their WW1 uniforms. (Image courtesy of Bristol Radical History Group)
About this talk: This talk looks at British conscientious objectors (COs) to military service, focusing particularly on the Great War. It examines how COs were viewed and treated and, among other things, challenges the notion that COs were universally ostracised, vilified and treated as cowards and shirkers. It demonstrates that they were also viewed in much more positive terms and supported and helped by communities. Based on over thirty years research, Prof Bibbings has published two books on the subject: Telling Tales About Men: Conceptions of Conscientious Objectors to Military Service During the First World War and Refusing To Kill: Bristol's World War 1 Conscientious Objectors. Prof Bibbings has already spoken extensively about COs to audiences varying from school children to policy makers and the BBC World Service.
About the speaker: Lois Bibbings is Professor of Law, Gender and History at the University of Bristol Law School. She is an academic lawyer and historian with extensive experience of public speaking. In 2019 she gave the annual Ypres Armistice Day Lecture.
This online talk: opens at 19:20 for a 19:30 start, ending at about 20:30. Participating is quick and easy. The only equipment you need is a computer, or a tablet, or a smart phone. Simply email wfa.nwkent@gmail.com for your link and the passcode. These will be sent out on late morning/early afternoon of Tuesday, 10th October, the day the talk takes place. You'll also automatically be added to the mailing list to keep you updated with future events.
