Conchie

What My Father Didn't Do in the War

By: Gethin Russell-Jones

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Paperback | 16 March 2016 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Paperback
240 Pages

Edition Type
New edition

Dimensions(cm)
19.8 x 13.0 x 1.8

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While Gethin's mother spent most of the Second World War cracking German codes at Bletchley Park, his father was a conscientious objector. As he grew up, and his mother maintained her Government-imposed silence on what she had been doing, Gethin's father was voluble on his pacifism, and Gethin dreaded the question 'What did your father do in the War?' The answer 'Nothing' seemed shameful.

Now, with his mother's story out in print, he sets off to find out why his father took the stance he did, the roots of the tradition of conscientious objection in the Welsh valleys, and how the family felt about the decision and the shame it brought.

About the Author

Gethin Russell-Jones combines a prolific writing career with being a Baptist Pastor. His first book, My Secret Life in Hut 6, was written with his mother, Mair Russell Jones, about her time in Bletchley Park during World War 2.

Industry Reviews

This is a searingly honest account of a son's efforts to comprehend his father's decision to be a conscientious objector rather than fight in the Second World War. He offers reasons not excuses,gives insights not alibis, details his own youthful embarrassment rather than pride,and shows deep respect for the courage of resolute conviction rather than exhibiting unconditional love. Because of that candour,readers will be left with greater understanding of "a different kind of courage" - and they might join me in having strengthened confidence in a rational system which wages war to defeat evil and,in doing that,protects the right of individuals to believe that it is wrong to fight and kill. The test of civilisation is,after all,not in the treatment of consenting majorities but in the toleration shown to non-conforming minorities -- Lord Neil Kinnock
'A fascinating insight into 1930s Welsh chapel culture, which formed the background to a decision to register as a conscientious objector in World War 2. It recreates another - and often neglected world - on the page as one reads.' -- Martyn Whittock

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