Document

Pte W. Downing’s defence at his District Court Martial at East Boldon, November 1917:

Sirs,
I am guiltless of any crime because I have kept to my honour and to the principles of Christianity.

For this reason I have refused to take up the Rifle in the common cause. I have the highest admiration for men who have willingly given their lives on the battlefield, but for my part, I believe all war to be futile, immoral, and contrary to the teaching and spirit of Jesus Christ; for it is only as nations believe in and apply the principles of Christianity that they can be saved from the evil of war. I long that my country may lead, as she has often led in many things, the world out of this bondage into the Truth that shall make it free; and I am convinced that it is only by the stead-
fastness of individuals that this can ever come to pass, and I count it an honour to-day to be allowed to take part in the building of that City where there is neither English nor German, bond nor free, for all are one in Christ Jesus.

I voluntarily attested for RAMC [Royal Army Medical Corps], and was promised to be posted to that Corp; and when a substitute was found to take my place (which was of National Importance), I came with the full hope and expectancy of being placed in that work, or other non-combatant corp, but being refused I had to take my stand as a Christian, feeling that to obey the command to take life, would be for me, a direct violation of Christ’s instructions.

I have been a preacher of the Gospel for years, and how can I preach the Grace of God, then lay down my Bible and shoot the sinner I have preached to.

I have kept to my honour and carried out my attestation I have put on Khaki and am willing to do any non- combatant work such as the RAMC or even on a Hospital Ship.

(Last part is torn and illegible.)

Date: 12-Nov-1917

Author: Wilfred Downing

Where to find this: Private family collection

Contributed by Dave and Roz Downing