| Description | North Riding appeal tribunal number: 1103
Appeal against conscription of: Alfred John Clement Lee
Age: 19
Address: Carlton Miniott, Thirsk
Occupation: Horseman
Local tribunal: Thirsk Rural District Council
Central tribunal: No
Military Service Act 1916 or Attested: Attested
Grounds for appeal: a) continue in current occupation, e) exempt occupation
Appellant: John Fletcher, farmer and employer)
Summary of case: My son and I are joint tenants of the farm which contains 200 acres, 140 of which is arable and 60 acres grass. I am 76 years of age and an invalid. I suffer from angina pectoris and asthma of the heart and have not been able to do any work or look after the management of the farm for more than two years. We keep four pairs of working horses, and I have only one other horseman who attested and has been given exemption until Oct 1. Three of my men and a nephew are serving with the forces abroad. My shepherd who attested has been given exemption until Nov 1, and I have tried to meet with a horseman over military age to take Lees place, but have failed to do so and owing to the scarcity of skilled labour I shall I fear not be able to do as I consider it in the national interest that this man should be spared as he is a good hand and understands his work. Also he is the main support of an invalid father little brother and sister. My hay and straw have been commandeered at the great monetary loss and if my men are taken now I shall be obliged to give up my farm.
Supporting evidence: No
Date and decision of North Riding Appeal Tribunal: 19 Jul 1916. Dismissed. |