60 Faces: Ernest Rodker

Ernest made badges and posters for the Aldermaston marches in the 1950s and 60s. His creations were put on display in 2017 in an exhibition on ‘People Power: Fighting for Peace’ at the Imperial War Museum.

Ernest grew up with anti-war politics – his German father was arrested and tortured in the 1930s because he refused to join the army. Ernest himself registered as a conscientious objector and had to go before a tribunal to make his case.

Ernest has said of this decision, ‘I didn’t want to join armed forces that depend on nuclear weapons that could end civilisation as we know it.’ Ernest goes on, ‘Nothing’s really changed – there are still a lot of people who believe war is the only answer to conflicts whereas it mostly just leaves people in the same position.’

What is 60 faces of CND?
2018 is the 60th anniversary of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.

Founded in 1958 at the height of the Cold War, CND has been a powerful collective voice against the dangers of nuclear weapons.

CND’s greatest strength has always been its members.
Incredible people have shaped our history,
our present and will continue to inspire in the future.

Here we take a look at 60 Faces of CND,
60 people who represent all the millions of people
who have campaigned for nuclear disarmament over the decades
and have made our organisation so remarkable.