Not everyone in Kirklees supported the First World War. While many men from the area volunteered to fight, others believed that war was wrong. These men were called conscientious objectors – people who refused to join the army or fight because of their personal, moral, ethical or religious beliefs. 

Huddersfield was one of the main centres of the anti-war movement in Britain. Some religious groups, such as Quakers and Methodists, believed that killing others went against their Christian beliefs. Others objected because they believed war was unfair or because they were committed to peace.

These individuals faced difficult choices, especially after conscription was introduced in 1916, making military service compulsory for most men. 

Conscientious objectors were not treated kindly. Many were bullied, insulted, or arrested. Some were even sent to prison for refusing to serve. In public, men who were not wearing army uniforms might be handed a white feather – a symbol meant to shame them into joining up. Others were attacked or laughed at in the streets. 

However, not all conscientious objectors simply stayed at home. Some were given other jobs, such as working on farms, in hospitals, or even carrying stretchers on the battlefield – still risking their lives, but without taking part in the fighting. These roles were sometimes called non-combatant service. 

In towns across Kirklees, including Huddersfield, Dewsbury and Batley, there were many hotspots for anti-war activity. Local peace groups met regularly and organised protests and support for those who refused to fight. These groups believed that peace was just as honourable as war. 

Arthur Gardiner 

One of the most well-known conscientious objectors from Huddersfield was Arthur Gardiner. During the First World War, Arthur stood out for his strong beliefs and the courage it took to defend them. In March 1916, he was called to appear before a military tribunal at Huddersfield Town Hall. These tribunals were set up to decide whether men could be excused from fighting in the war. The panel included local councillors and military officials, and it was their job to question objectors and decide if their reasons were genuine. 

When asked why he refused to serve, Arthur made a powerful statement: 

“I have no country. I realise the interests of the workers in Germany are identical to those of the workers of England. For that reason I cannot march against them and I will not.”  

Arthur believed the war was not about justice or freedom, but instead a capitalist war where ordinary working people were being sent to die for the interests of the powerful. His words showed he believed in peace, equality, and solidarity with workers around the world. He did not want to fight people he saw as equals, simply because they lived in another country. 

The tribunal ruled that Arthur Gardiner was a genuine conscientious objector and gave him an exemption from military service, but only for two months. After that time passed, his appeal was rejected. He was forcibly drafted into the army along with five other prisoners. Even then, Arthur and others like him often refused to follow orders and continued to resist in peaceful ways. 

After the war, life was not easy for conscientious objectors. Many were shunned by their communities, struggled to find work, and were treated with suspicion for years. However, Arthur Gardiner remained committed to public service and the people of Huddersfield. In later life, he was elected mayor of Huddersfield, a sign that attitudes had begun to change and that his strength of character had earned him respect.