Men who refused to fight on compassionate grounds were called 'conscientious objectors'. These men had to convince a panel that their pacifist beliefs were real. If they were successful they were given non-fighting roles, such as stretcher bearers, and a fortunate few stayed at home to work the land. What became of those who were ordered to fight by the panel but refused?

The First World War had a huge impact on British society.  Millions of men left their ordinary lives to fight for king and country.  But life changed too for those they left behind.  A shortage of manpower meant that women had to replace the absent men.  Many parts of British life were put on hold for the duration of the war and others were gone forever.