Union Chapel, Castle Street (from T.G. Hobbs' Luton and Neighbourhood Illustrated, 1908)

A letter from Baptist clergyman the Rev W. H. Haden was published in The Luton News giving details of what one unnamed conscientious objector from Luton had endured. The minister at the Union Chapel, Castle Street, wrote:

"Your paper has contained many letters of deeds of courage by Luton boys in the fighting line, and most of these I have read with much appreciation. It is in the public interest to know of other forms of courage being shown by one of our Luton boys, and I should very much value your kindness in finding room for the following facts.

"The Tribunals dismissed the appeal made on conscientious grounds. He was arrested and handed over to the military authorities. Rifle and bayonet were pointed at him to make him submit. He was placed in barrack cells for two days and left without food (except chocolate and bananas he had in his pocket when he left home).

"Then he was removed to other barracks, forced into khaki and taken out to do military drill. Refusing to do this, he was given 28 days detention - of the detention 48 hours at a time were spent in dark, damp cells with bare stones to lie on, and with a bread and water diet. In addition to this, he was placed in irons from time to time.

"After this punishment he was taken out to drill, with pack tied upon him, and forced into rank with men treading upon his heels. Unable to endure this treatment, he was punished for not drilling and given cells again for 72 hours - bread and water diet, and irons. Then he was taken out to drill again, and brought back to 72 hours again of cells.

"Later he was brought before a court martial and sentenced to 112 days detention. This sentence is now being carried out, and no news has come through about him since June 6th.

Faithfully yours,

REV W. H. HADEN,

39 Ashburnham Road, Luton.

[The Luton News: Thursday, June 29th, 1916]