Red Clydeside

Political cartoons

Postcards depicting consciencious objectors in prison

1917

These postcards were printed in 1917 and depict, in cartoon form, the tough prison regime of first world war conscientious objectors (COs).

The postcards were published in an attempt to highlight the plight of COs in British prisons. The tough prison regime and lack of privileges afforded to COs was considered to be a major factor in the high suicide rate and occurrence of mental illness amongst COs.

In all probability these cards were commissioned and distributed by a political group who supported the anti-war and anti-conscription movements. Apart from the British Socialist Party, all socialist and anarchist political groups on Clydeside were opposed to Britain's involvement in the war and were opposed to the introduction of conscription.

Source: Gallacher Memorial Library, Glasgow Caledonian University Special Collections and Archives