The Plymouth Brethren during wartime – a history of service.

Members of the Plymouth Brethren have fulfilled their duty to their respective countries during some of the most devastating wars of the 20th century. Despite their principle of refraining from bearing arms, many church members served honourably in non-combatant roles. Other members performed their duty through humanitarian efforts on the front lines during World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

Though the Plymouth Brethren’s beliefs meant they objected to carrying arms, they remained committed to serving their countries in times of conflict. Members of the Church who joined various military branches were embedded alongside other brave servicemen and women, facing the same conditions as everyone else. Over time, experience demonstrated the remarkable courage required to enter the front lines unarmed to rescue the wounded.

Bravery and Recognition

William Coltman, a member of the Plymouth Brethren, became one of Britain’s most decorated soldiers – earning this distinction without ever firing a shot. In 1919, he was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest honour for bravery that a British soldier, regardless of rank, can receive, along with several other distinctions for his courage and service as a medic during World War I.

During World War I, Emily Raven, a member of the Plymouth Brethren, played a significant role as a nurse in the Civilian Hospital Reserve. She joined in 1915 and served in field hospitals near the front lines in France, caring for wounded soldiers under harsh conditions. In 1919, Emily was awarded the Royal Red Cross for her work. She became a role model for humanitarian service, exemplifying how members of the Brethren contributed to war efforts without bearing arms.

Arthur Ernest Fielder served as a medic in the Royal Army Medical Corps during World War I, providing aid in major battles such as Ypres and the Somme. Arthur’s duties included assisting severely wounded soldiers, determining whether they were alive or dead when brought in by stretcher-bearers, comforting dying soldiers, and delivering their final messages to loved ones. Men and women of the Plymouth Brethren continued their service after World War I in various locations around the world, including the beaches of Dunkirk, the deserts of North Africa, and the jungles of Papua New Guinea. During the Normandy landings, they participated as stretcher-bearers, and their contributions in the Korean and Vietnam Wars ranged from rescuing the wounded to working in secret signal units.

From World Wars to Modern Crisis Relief

The Plymouth Brethren’s commitment to humanitarian work extends into modern times, with members continuing to offer practical aid—just as they did during the world wars—rather than taking up arms. Over the past twelve years, this work has been organised through the Rapid Relief Team, the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, which provides aid during wars, natural disasters, and other humanitarian crises.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, RRT has mobilised volunteers to deliver essential support to those affected by the war, both within the country and to those forced to flee. Through global donations and the work of thousands of volunteers, RRT has distributed over 14.6 million meals and supplies worth over $18M AUD to those in need. RRT’s efforts continue the Plymouth Brethren’s long-standing tradition of care, compassion, and service—from medics on the front lines of world wars to modern-day disaster relief operations worldwide