Bowtell, John Golding

Bowtell, John Golding, Millbrook Rd, Southampton, bank clerk, religious CO, Southampton Tribunal 24/6/40 agriculture or forestry, HAAD 29/6/40 p5

John was an 'Absolutist' and refused to take any orders from the military which led to his refusal even to undertake fire watching duty. He eventually served a prison sentence.He applied to be registered as a CO in March 1940 - his Tribunal Order from December 1940. He was a Sunday School teacher at Above Bar Congregational Church Southampton and was supported in his tribunal by his church minister. He joined the Peace Pledge Union in 1941. He refused fire prevention duties in January 1942 when living in Blackpool. Married Gladys Mary Kortright  [also a CO - see separate entry] 5th September 1942 in Southampton.

He refused part time civil defence National Fire Service Fareham whilst living in Titchfield September 1943 and as a result went to court November 1943. He refused to pay, or allow anyone to pay for him, the fine of £10 and so went to His Majesty's Prison Winchester 13th December 1943 - 20th January 1944. Prisoner No. 1253. From this he never really recovered.