Lyr Req: Song about Conscientious Objectors -

Subject: Lyr Req: Song about Conscientious Objectors -
From: cujimmy
Date: 08 Sep 19 - 12:36 PM

Hi - I heard a song in Sheffield some years ago about Conscientious Objectors in WW1, the Chorus went

300 Soldiers did not die in battle
300 Soldiers they still died in vain
On the green fields of France
Among the poppies of Flanders
Shot down by their comrades
They never came home

Does anyone recognise it, and has anyone got the lyrics.

Thank you - Jimmy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Song about Conscientious Objectors -
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 09 Sep 19 - 04:45 AM

These were soldiers, not Conscientious Objectors. For many of them, the horrors of trench warfare proved unbearable. If they were driven from their posts or fellow soldiers, they could face a charge of cowardice or desertion, trial by court-martial and execution by firing squad.

306 soldiers executed at dawn have now received posthumous pardons.

Sorry, but I don't recognise this song.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Song about Conscientious Objectors -
From: cujimmy
Date: 09 Sep 19 - 04:56 AM

Thanks for that correction Henry.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Song about Conscientious Objectors -
From: JHW
Date: 09 Sep 19 - 05:47 AM

There is a song about conscientious objectors imprisoned in the Castle at Richmond, Yorkshire written by one Sue who lives in Richmond but that's as much as I know.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Song about Conscientious Objectors -
From: GUEST,Starship
Date: 09 Sep 19 - 07:59 AM

I think the lady's name is Sue Gilmurray. See if the song you want is one from the following link:

http://www.abolishwar.org.uk/downloads.html

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Song about Conscientious Objectors -
From: Jim McLean
Date: 10 Sep 19 - 09:19 AM

I wrote a song called "Talking Conchie Blues" late 1960s and recorded by Alastair McDonald on an LP Scotia Folk.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Song about Conscientious Objectors -
From: Mrrzy
Date: 10 Sep 19 - 10:48 AM

Dad was a CO in WWII. He got medically experimented on by C. Everett Koop. My uncle, his brother, went to jail. I would like to hear the song...

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Song about Conscientious Objectors -
From: GUEST,Starship
Date: 10 Sep 19 - 12:01 PM

Jim McLean's "Talking Conchie Blues" by Alastair McDonald

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Song about Conscientious Objectors -
From: Jim McLean
Date: 10 Sep 19 - 12:36 PM

Thanks, Starship. I was a conscientious objector in 1957. I refused to do my National Service as it was the time of the Suez fiasco and earned me a six month stay in Glasgow's Barlinnie prison.
The song was just a bit of fun. I also wrote a version of the Big Mansion Hoose recorded by the Kerries. It describes prison life, humouorously.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Song about Conscientious Objectors -
From: GUEST,Starship
Date: 10 Sep 19 - 12:50 PM

"Subject: RE: Draft Dodging Songs?
From: Jim McLean
Date: 28 Nov 02 - 04:42 PM

This [Talking Conchie Blues] is a song I wrote after being imprisoned in Barlinnie Gaol, Glasgow, in 1957 after registering as a concientous objector. I didn't agree with the British involvement in Egypt at the time or much else, come to think about it."

A little background to the song.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Song about Conscientious Objectors -
From: GUEST,Starship
Date: 10 Sep 19 - 12:56 PM

We cross-posted. I was looking for some background to the song because I was interested in it (and I like it). I got led by Mr Google to that thread on this very site. Anyway, you're welcome.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Song about Conscientious Objectors -
From: cujimmy
Date: 10 Sep 19 - 02:47 PM

Im glad this is encouraging a very interesting discussion,but Ihan't found the song yet, so Ive a another verse which hopefully someone will recognise

They said it was done to protect the others,
They said it was done to save other mens lives
Tell that to the lovers, and sweethearts and Mothers
Tell that to the brothers and fathers and wives

regards - Jimmy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Song about Conscientious Objectors -
From: GUEST,Starship
Date: 10 Sep 19 - 03:30 PM

I'm finding nowt. Try writing her at

Sue Gilmurray
13 Danesway
Pinhoe, Exeter
EX4 9ES

Best I can do. Sorry, and good luck.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Song about Conscientious Objectors -
From: cujimmy
Date: 10 Sep 19 - 04:20 PM

I heard the song at a Raise Your Banners festival concert in Sheffield in the late 1990s. I remembered the words, but have forgotten them over time. Anyway thanks for your help.