For His Name's Sake.

DURING the early stages of the great war, many who had been endeavouring to live up to the ideals of New Testament Christianity found themselves confronted with a grave problem which had perhaps never before obtained their serious thought. The attitude of those who decided that war was contrary to the teachings of the great Law-giver, has left its mark on the pages of history and, although small in number in comparison to those who rendered obedience to their earthly King, the history of the C.O. will live whilst the story of the world war is told.

It is not often that individuals are faced with that extreme sentence for endeavouring to do what is right, yet, such was the case of some who, realizing the futility of war and its opposition to the teachings of Christ, decided to entirely oppose such, without fearing the probable consequences.

At Richmond (North Yorks.), on the 29th of May, 1916, a number of men, who had continually refused all orders were warned that the company to which they were attached was to proceed to France, and that they were to accompany it. This was hardly expected by five of us, who had already been court-martialled and were awaiting sentence. However, the sentence was read the same day, and we, along with the rest, had to journey to Southampton under escort. Many were the impressions on our way as we sang hymns at various stations, and although prisoners, people were surprised at our cheerful disposition. Having arrived at Southampton, we went on board ship and accompanied by two destroyers were landed at Le Havre. From here, we journeyed by train to Boulogne, orders having been continually refused, which we expected would lead to court-martial, but such did not happen until the party arrived at its destination.

Early one morning, at Boulogne, we were awakened by the Sergt.-Major for parade; this we ignored until we were told that the officer was down at the docks, and there we could state our objections to him. Under this agreement, we went to the docks, but found no officer on arrival but an order to unload ships. This being refused, we were taken back to camp under escort, and at night evidence was taken for a Field General Court Martial. Particulars having been taken, we were eventually taken to the Field Punishment Barracks at Boulogne, a disused fish-market near the Quay. There we were placed in dark and disgracefully crowded cells, eleven of us being in a cell about 11 feet square, pitch dark, with a stone floor and one blanket as a bed. Here we

kept happy by discussing many of the topics of the day of a religious and political character, or as one said "from the existence of a personal Devil to one on the merits of Esperanto."

On June 11, 1916, our charge sheets were given us, and we were told our court-martial would take place the following day. Meanwhile, we had been fully noting the routine of the Military Prison, the treatment given to the soldiers, and occasionally exchanging a few words with them. The following day, an escort came to the Field Punishment Barracks to accompany us to the place of trial. As we climbed up the hill-side, we got a good view of the city and could see the channel with the white cliffs of Dover in the distance; many a glance was cast in that direction, and we wondered if ever we should tread those shores again. After being shut off from the world and in darkness for so long, it was good to view once more the glories of nature and God's handiwork, and one thought of the contrast with the destruction taking place not far away. At last, we reached our destination, and one by one our defence was given for the cause for which we individually stood. My turn came and the charge was read:

No. 871. Private C. Cartwright, 2nd Northern N.C.C.

Sec. 9(1) A.A. Disobeying, in such a manner as to show a wilful defiance of authority, a lawful command given personally by his superior officer, in the execution of his office, in that he, at Boulogne, on 6th June, 1916, when, as one of a working party at the docks, he was personally ordered by Sergt. -, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the party to commence work, did not do so, saying "My religious convictions won't allow me to do it" or words to that effect.

The question was then put, "Guilty or not guilty," to which the answer was given "Not guilty." This was then followed by the reading aloud of the history of the prisoner during his service with the colours, conduct, crimes committed, decorations awarded, etc.

Three N.C.O.'s were then called to give evidence respecting the charge, having themselves been present at the time of refusal. Opportunity was then given for cross questioning if the prisoner desired. The most important was the giving of the defence - one not prepared with the aid of a solicitor; with no great personal knowledge as regards Army law and regulations - but a defence based entirely on New Testament teaching. Such was the defence which was prepared whilst we sat on the prison yard floor at Boulogne. After being read, this was given to the court and attached to the court martial papers; and after a few formularies had been attended to, the trial ended. We were then taken by escort back to the Field Punishment Barracks.

One of the chief difficulties one met was that of suspense: awaiting trial, promulgation of sentence, and continual thought as to the future. One realized that in the ordinary course disobedience met with severe and extreme punishment, and this made everything so uncertain. However, we continued to cheer each other until the 24th June, when we were told that we were to hear our sentence. We were anxious to know this and were glad to feel that soon the verdict would be known. We turned into a huge military camp where soldiers formed themselves into three sides of a huge square, several hundreds being present. When silence had been obtained, the officer in charge read the sentence:

"'Private ----, No. ---, of the 2nd Northern N.C.C., tried by Field General Court-Martial for disobedience, sentenced to death by being shot" [pause] "confirmed, by General Sir Douglas Haig" [another pause] "and commuted to 10 years penal servitude."

After all, the extreme sentence had been reduced to one of penal servitude and one could hardly realize one's feelings at such a time. Whilst many suffered bodily torture far more than we did, yet the separation from the outside world, the entire suspense, along with the possibility of what might have happened, demanded the existence of a principle with which to face it. One of the things which was prevalent in most minds during such a period of uncertainty, was the continual thought of events and circumstances in each of our past lives. The realization of our own failures and what we each could have done.

I was glad, as a member of the Church of Christ, to represent those who were taking a similar stand, by being amongst the number who were able to prove their convictions on foreign shores, where war was raging. It was for each to prove that not only are the teachings of Jesus, which we tried to observe, not within the realm of ideality along, but also of practicability. Let us never feel satisfied with ourselves until such is accomplished and if necessary face "The Death Sentence," realizing that "all things work together for good, to them that love God," and let us count the present sufferings unworthy to be compared with our future happiness, realizing,