Sir – By now most people are aware that the summer of 2014 marks the start of four years of commemoration of the First World War. This is about commemoration, not celebration; a recapturing of memories on all sides of the conflict.

For the first time this was a war that involved everyone, and everyone made sacrifices for what they saw as the greater good. What did ordinary people with family and work responsibilities do when compulsory conscription was introduced in 1916?

What was the experience of people whose consciences would not allow them to kill, and who chose to work instead in non-combatant roles, or refused any form of war service? Respecting ‘that of God in everyone’ leads Quakers to pacifism and humanitarian service in time of conflict and war and a group from Oxford Quaker Meeting want to tell the story of alternatives to military service. We are researching experiences of humanitarian roles such as the ambulance services behind the lines or in hospitals, and those who were conscientious objectors in Oxford and Oxfordshire, both in the university and town. This research is not easy: while some records remain, many were destroyed after the war. The facts are often beyond the reach of living memory. Often they were never told as the experience was too raw.

We would very much like to hear from you if you or anyone in your family or among your friends has memories of grandfathers or others who refused to fight — maybe teachers, pupils, family friends or colleagues. You may have diaries, photographs, or other records of their experiences. Please e-mail me at commemoration@oxfordquakers.org or by post to Oxford Quakers, 43 St Giles, Oxford OX1 3LW.

Susan Smith, Oxford Quaker First World War commemoration group, Oxford