WW1 Conscientious Objectors. Pic: libcom.org

The story of Dave Cherlyn, from Hackney, is one of the most divisive of the conscientious objectors. Called for service at the age of 19, his family devised a web of lies about their well-being and status, to delay his conscription. While many have sided with Cherlyn’s story, others have stood their ground against this approach to conscription.

The timeline below demonstrates the events that led up to his conscription and how his cover was blown:

Follow the link to read more about WW1 in the ELL boroughs: