Letters: War is not futile

The path chosen by the conscientious objector is a lonely and troubled one and it does indeed take a brave man to be a coward. I would, however, like to take issue with John Rettie and his reference that the First World War was 'futile'.

By saying such a thing he is as guilty as Major Tyler insomuch as he is insulting the memory of millions of men who fought for a cause in which they believed, despite what modem writers would have us believe.

A rampant German army that had conquered half of France and almost all of Belgium would not have stopped there if left unchecked.

Once battle had been joined, there were three alternatives facing the Allies; hold the German army, give up and return home, or carry the fight to expel them, and that is precisely what the British High Command did.

In all cases the Allies suffered fewer casualties pro rata, than did the Germans and secured the victory. Had they failed, the cost would have been incalculable.

It is the accepted (false) wisdom to say that the war leaders were arrogant and incompetent when in reality, they were the first to lead and command in a war where science, industry and engineering created methods of killing on an unprecedented scale which had the effect of overwhelming all tactical and strategic thinking of the time.

Certainly there were grave errors and miscalculations but the war could not have been fought any other way. We should all be thankful to the men who fought the war to their utmost and we should all honour the men who had the courage to refuse to fight.

A E EATON.

Turker Lane,

Northallerton.

Not an easy war

Sir, - The Richmond Sixteen did not eat well or sleep well. They had a terrible time. The treatment and conditions they received were tortuous. Whatever our views, we have to respect their bravery and fortitude.

The Richmond sixteen were casualties of war too, and perhaps because they were so inhumanely treated the authorities wish to make reparation.

We all have our stories to tell of conflict. I lost two great uncles in the First World War, I blame my parents' divorce on the second. Marital and filial relationships were destroyed, there were huge casualties because of the bombing of our cities, many evacuees have sad and pitiful stories to tell.

It wasn't just those at the front who suffered. War is terrible and casualties far reaching. We must pray for peace throughout the world.

JENNIFER M JACKSON

Cornforth Hill,

Richmond.

Too harsh

Sir, - I think the difference between the Richmond 16 and other objectors that has caused so much controversy is that they refused all duties.

But I think it is harsh labelling them cowards when apart from being stigmatised they must have been aware when making their decision they could be signing their own death warrant.

One may well ask how many might have joined them had they known that they would become only a statistic of the countless thousands slaughtered in a most suicidal manner. Or returned home maimed for life and having to beg for a living.

One has to be briefly thankful that the high technology we have today has eliminated the arrogant and incompetent leadership of that era.

DOUGLAS PUNCHARD

Keldholme,

Kirkbymoorside.

Obscene insult

Sir, - I share the feelings of Maj Tyler (D&S, June 7). Whoever sanctioned the construction of this obscene insult should be taken to the nearest military graveyard and made to apologise on bended knees.

During the evacuation of Dunkirk, a heroic skipper led a flotilla of tiny boats from a small SE port, (I do not recall the name) they rescued many allied soldiers at great risk to their own lives.

About two years ago, an application was made to the local council, to erect a plaque on the harbour bridge, to commemorate this heroic act. The application was refused because in the words of the local officials "it smacks of triumphalism."

What is wrong with this country?

KEITH WILSON

Gilmonby,

Barnard Castle.

Lofty view

Sir, - I write in regard to your report of Maj Roy Tyler's remarks concerning the siting of the memorial to the Richmond 16 (D&S, June 7). Although I do not know the history of those who he described as cowards I feel I must take issue with him.

On Sunday last the BBC programme Songs of Praise was a commemoration of many years of the Society of Friends and reminded me forcefully of a gentleman who was of that faith whose followers renounce warfare and should be respected for it.

At the end of the summer term 1941 the gentleman who had been my form master at Northampton Town & County School was required to work in agriculture because of his faith, so depriving the school of a very capable and respected master.

Mr B E Bowles (always know to the boys as Bertie) was never despised for his beliefs and was certainly not regarded as a coward, indeed those of us who met him during the remainder of the war continued to show him the courtesy required for all masters by raising our caps.

Baring in mind the widespread following of the Quaker movement in the Darlington area, it occurs to me that the Richmond 16 could have been of that faith and however much we may question their beliefs we should not rush to call them cowards.

Is it reasonable to enquire whether the impetuous major even took part in any combat to justify his lofty (and possibly misplaced) view.

E D MORRIS

Crossbeck Road,

Northallerton.