100 Stories > Edwin Mosscrop (1889-1980)

As the war progressed, so did Government intervention in people’s lives.

None more controversial was when conscription (forced military service) was introduced. For various reasons, many refused to join the forces.

The beliefs of conscientious objectors were open to public ridicule, abuse and punishment. ‘Eddie’ Mosscrop, one of the heroes of the Burnley FC 1914 cup winning team, attended a tribunal where his case as a conscientious objector was heard. As a result, he served in a non-combatant role in the Royal Army Medical Corps. In his case, there was little criticism of his decision.