Quakers and the Friends Ambulance Unit in World War I

When Britain declared war on Germany on 4 August 1914, it provoked fierce debate among British Quakers. How should they, as Quakers, respond?

The ideal of pacifism is something with which Friends have always grappled. But the violent political struggles in early twentieth century Europe, the German invasion of neutral Belgium, and the apparent rush to war by many nations were shocking and prompted deep reflection. What was the right thing to do?

In the end there were many different responses, ranging from military service to absolutist conscientious objection. One of these was the establishment of a voluntary ambulance corps, made up primarily of university students and recent graduates who, after six weeks basic training, set off for France to try to make a difference.

This illustrated talk explores the work of the Friends Ambulance Corps in World War I and the experiences and feelings of the young men who served in it.

In 2015, Dr Betty Hagglund, together with Dr Rebecca Wynter, co-curated the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery exhibition Faith and Action: Quakers and the First World War.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher The Birmingham & Midland Institute