Arnold Kolka (1896-?) was a farmer born in Strathcona, Alberta, in 1896. He was drafted in May 1918, but refused to sign his attestation form and paper, an act that usually carried a penalty of trial and imprisonment. Kolka was a member of the Moravian church, which carries the ideas of nonintrusiveness and fellowship among all Christians at its heart. Thus going to war was strictly against Kolka's religious beliefs. Before he could be brought to trial, however, he was excused from service based on a special law passed by King George II in 1749 that applied to Moravians: the Acta Fratrum Unitatis in Anglia 1749. He was discharged in July 1918.
Service Record Details
Date of Birth: July 9, 1896
Date of Conscription: May 7, 1918 (Calgary, Alberta)
Age at Enlistment: 21 years, 10 months
Height: 5 feet, 5 inches
Weight: 136 pounds
Description: Medium complexion, blue eyes, dark hair. Moravian Church. Scar on left cheek bone, also one on each hand.
Home Address: Strathcona, Alberta
Trade: Farmer
Married: No
Next of Kin: Father—George Kolka
Theatre of War: Not applicable
Interesting Details from the Service Record
- May 1918 – The following note is typed on both Kolka’s conscription papers and his blank military will: "Certified that this man refused to sign papers when ordered to do so by Sgt., Maj., Perriam." A note at the bottom of the will form states that he plans to make a private will. (Pages 2 and 3)
- July 24, 1918 – He signs the section of his discharge papers labelled "Addition Certificate in the case of a Soldier who takes his discharge on his own request." (Page 7)
- July 27, 1918 – His casualty form has a notation referring to the statute of King George II in 1749. (Page 4)
- October 10, 1918 – "Being a Moravian" is written on his discharge documents. (Page 1)
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