Bray, Desmond Edward

Bray, Desmond Edward, (20 on 8/3/40), Coopers Hill, Alvechurch (near Bromsgrove), garage mechanic, war is ‘morally debasing, disgusting & practically futile’, he did not think the State had the right to interfere with individual consciences, would object to joining FAU as a conscript, BM 7/11/39 given work of national importance (WNI) – would appeal, EVD 7/11/39 p7, BIDP 8/11 p2, BIDG 8/11 p6; LAT 7/2/40 still lorry driver as driving chocolate lorries helping war effort less than WNI would, said ‘I am not entirely logical but doing the best I can, decision reserved, BIDG 8/2/40 p7, BIDG 9/2 p8; Worcester Court 7/8/40 had been sent for NCS at LAT but pleaded guilty to refusing  medical 12/6/40, had no intention of complying, as a pacifist he  could not recognise military law or conscription, in reply to comments from magistrate he said he had not asked for protection & had no choice as to where he was born, was ordered to have medical, BIM 7/8/40 p5, HUDE 7/8/40 p6; serving 6 months prison after Court Martial but killed when air raid hit the prison, case referred to Howard League for Penal Reform to investigate practice of locking prisoners in cells during air raids, another CO Kenneth Coney of Coulsdon killed in same raid, The Friend 4/7/41 p324