Conscientious objector in the dock

A footballer who played‘outside left’ for Stirling’s King’s Park FC and East Stirlingshire appeared before the town’s police court.

James Logan was charged with a breach of the Military Services Act by failing to report to Stirling Castle when called up for service.

Mr Logan, who denied the charge, had been refused exemption by a military tribunal and twice failed to respond to call-up notices.

The accused said that he was a conscientious objector and had no intention of joining the Army.

Bailie Duff, presiding, said:“You don’t want to fight for your country and defend your mother and sisters against the Huns.”

Mr Logan said the same question could be asked if they were fighting the French, to which Bailie Duff replied:“I am sorry to see a young man in the position that you are in.

“It would be much better for you to play the game and defend your hearth and home. What would happen if the Germans got over here? Look at what has been done to the Belgians.”

But Mr Logan told Bailie Duff “clean up your own doorstep”prompting the Chief Constable to say:“Don’t give any insolence here.”

A fine of 40 shillings was imposed and Mr Logan was handed over to the military authorities.