16 Conscientious objectors from Durham and N.Yorks. were placed in the Non-Combatant Corp in 1916. They refused to wear uniforms, drill or perform any work touching the war effort. They were placed in cells in Richmond Castle. Eager to make an example of these men they were sent to France, where disobeying an order in the face of the enemy was punishable by death by firing squad. They were found guilty and sentenced to death. This was then commuted to 10 years hard labour. On their return to civilian life after completing their sentence they were socially ostracised.