| Description | North Riding appeal tribunal number: 1667
Appeal against conscription of: George Edgar Brook
Age: 35
Address: 1 Ebor St, Bishopthorpe Road, York
Occupation: Fried and wet fish dealer
Local tribunal: York City Council
Central tribunal: No
Military Service Act 1916 or Attested: Attested
Grounds for appeal: d) serious hardship
Appellant: George Edgar Brook
Summary of case: Brook had a wife and five children. He had bought a fish and chip business on 27 Nov 1914 for about £100 and was just beginning to see the financial benefit. He served hundreds of soldiers each week, and had been asked by the local Munitions Factory workers to extend his closing hours beyond 11.15 pm so that the night shift could get supper. He quotes the comments of politicians regarding their wish to see sole traders and married men exempted, and the Prime Minister's Pledge Single Men First. There are several pieces of correspondence between Brook, the North riding Appeal Tribunal and the Military Representative and Substitution Officer. These explain the inability of the Ministry of Labour to place Brook in a munitions factory, and the Substitutions Officer agreeing that work in a glass factory would be acceptable.
Supporting evidence: No
Date and decision of North Riding Appeal Tribunal: 10 Nov 1916. Allowed exemption to 1 Mar 1917 on condition of his taking up work in munitions factory |