Description
Book SynopsisWhat my father didn't do in the war.
Trade ReviewThis is a searingly honest account of a son’s efforts to comprehend his father’s decision to be a conscientious objector rather than fight in the Second World War. He offers reasons not excuses,gives insights not alibis, details his own youthful embarrassment rather than pride,and shows deep respect for the courage of resolute conviction rather than exhibiting unconditional love. Because of that candour,readers will be left with greater understanding of “a different kind of courage” - and they might join me in having strengthened confidence in a rational system which wages war to defeat evil and,in doing that,protects the right of individuals to believe that it is wrong to fight and kill. The test of civilisation is,after all,not in the treatment of consenting majorities but in the toleration shown to non-conforming minorities -- Lord Neil Kinnock
'A fascinating insight into 1930s Welsh chapel culture, which formed the background to a decision to register as a conscientious objector in World War 2. It recreates another - and often neglected world - on the page as one reads.' -- Martyn Whittock
Table of ContentsContents
Family Tree 8
Chapter 1: War Child 9
Chapter 2: Conchie 12
Chapter 3: A Good Year for Diaries 25
Chapter 4: Strong Mothers 34
Chapter 5: Hovel Fit for a King 44
Chapter 6: I Was in School with Him 57
Chapter 7: John the Baptist 71
Chapter 8: 1936 and the Rise of Nationalism 85
Chapter 9: 1938, a Year of Preparation 97
Chapter 10: Sunday 1 September 1939 110
Chapter 11: 1939, Cardiff 9050 117
Chapter 12: 1940, Air Raid Warden 129
Chapter 13: An Appointment in London 143
Chapter 14: Let Me Now Be God’s Soldier 159
Chapter 15: 1943, a Badly Chewed Suit 171
Chapter 16: 1944, a Love Letter to Piety 186
Chapter 17: Today I Had a Long Discussion with a Young Lady About
Pacifism and Christianity 196
Chapter 18: 1944, a Deep-Rooted Problem 205
Chapter 19: Not Fit for Human Occupation 212
Chapter 20: A Strange Courage 223
Notes 233
