For a variety of religious, moral, ethical, and political reasons, around 16,000 men declined to pick up weapons or fight during the First World War. They were referred to as conscientious objectors. Some of Godfrey Buxton's fellow Christians questioned the war from the start.The Soliders said that their consciences would not let them to murder. Conscientious objectors numbered around 16,000 people. Some were permitted to pursue non-combat activities, like as farming or serving as stretcher bearers on battlefields.
Sources:
https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/voices-of-the-first-world-war-conscientious-objection
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zqhyb9q/articles/z4v9mfr
