Thomas Shearer: "That cannot be. I will got to prison"

In 1942 Thomas Shearer appeared before a "Petty Session" Court in Witham. He appeared with long hair and a short beard. Thomas had registered as a Conscientious Objector in 1940 on the condition that he undertook agricultural or forestry work.

He had done do so at High Mail Farm, Tollesbury, for nearly a year, but then left abruptly. Mr Ashcroft, the farmer who employed him, said that he'd been a good worker before he left. Thomas had written to the authorities explaining that he had come to understand that agriculture was part of the war effort, and that it would be hypocritical to continue. He had refused munitions work originally for the same reason. Now he had seen Government posters exhorting land work and another labourer told him that agricultural workers were the "back bone of the country in war time." Although he had a wife and child dependent on him, he had come to believe that "digging for victory" was against his conscience.

Thomas was challenged that food production was necessary for people other than soldiers, which he said he understood, but he felt he had other trades that would not contribute to the war. He had worked as a tutor for other children.

The chairman stated the law had to be obeyed. Presiding, C. S. Richardson gave Thomas the choice: he would be fined £10 (about £400 in 2024), or three months' imprisonment with hard labour.

Defendant: I will go to prison.

The Chairman: "You can work to support your wife and-children —one month allowed to pay.

Defendant: What will the work be; agriculture or forestry ? 

The Chairman: Yes. 

Defendant: That cannot be; I will go to prison. Defendant was removed by the police. 

And so 26 year old Tom was taken to prison

Source: Chelmsford Chronicle - Friday 10 July 1942