Research Papers of David J. Mitchell on Military Nonconformity

Archive reference: MIS

This small research archive contains interesting letters and recollections which shed new light on the experiences of British conscientious objectors and those conscripted into military service during the two World Wars and afterwards. It was created by writer and journalist David J. Mitchell.

This archive, which was donated to Special Collections by David Mitchell in April 2002, contains two distinct areas of research. Both contain correspondence, interview notes, drafts and published articles by the author and other research materials.

1. “Absolutist” conscientious objectors of the First World War, researched mainly between 1962 and 1965.
2. “The awkward squad” of the Second World War, individuals who, like Mr Mitchell during his time in the RAF, had problems adjusting to military life for various reasons. Most research carried out in 1985.