'It was dangerous to be a conscientious objector'
Imperial War MuseumThe Sussex coast became an unexpected centre for one of World War One's most contentious groups - conscientious objectors.
While Newhaven, Denton and Seaford were best known for their vast military camps and the steady movement of troops heading for France, they also housed men who refused to fight.
Around 16,000 men refused to take up arms during the conflict on religious, political or moral grounds. A total of 6,000 were sent to prison.
Historian Chris Kempshall told Secret Sussex: "There were significant tensions and it was quite dangerous to be a conscientious objector."
Alan Lygo-Baker, a Sussex-based historian, explained there were three types of conscientious objectors during World War One.
"The absolutists refused to have anything to do with the military and many of them were imprisoned," he said.
"The alternativists would do work which wasn't attached directly to the military, such as supply or medical services.
"The non-combatants joined a corps which were under the control of the army."
Dr Jenny Flood, a historian from Newhaven, has been researching how objectors were treated in work camps in East Sussex.
She said: "Conscientious objectors stayed in rows of tents.
"They were issued two blankets and a waterproof sheet.
"Sometimes their journey from the station to the camps could be a bit tricky. Some were jeered and sticks and stones were thrown."
Kempshall added: "It wasn't unusual for soldiers to physically and verbally attack conscientious objectors as they marched by them in the streets.
"Some Canadian soldiers poured boiling hot tar on the roof of a building housing objectors in a targeted arson attack."
Many objectors were engaged in work of national importance, notably road construction.
Lygo-Baker said: "They were regarded often by people as effeminate and cowardly.
"The non-combatant corps was nicknamed the non-courage corps.
"To stand out as an individual to support one of our basic rights, the right of liberty of conscience, was a very important step that is now enshrined in law."
