Most conscientious objectors were drafted into non-combatant roles in the army but some believed their religious principles forbade even that. Facing torture and death, one group of so-called absolutists helped enshrine through their bravery the right to conscientious objection in law SIDE BY SIDE with its atrocities, cruelty and malice, war sometimes throws up acts of gentle bravery so ­inspirational that they change things forever. This is the story of one of those acts. This is the story of the Richmond 16.A disparate group of miners, teachers, clerks, a musician and even a centre forward, the Richmond 16 defied torture, treachery, blackmail, calumny and even a collective death sentence. They helped ensure that the legal right to conscientious objection became enshrined in law.By