| Description | North Riding appeal tribunal number: 1780
Appeal against conscription of: Earnest Godfrey Close
Age: 19
Address: Hazelgill, Bowes, Darlington
Occupation: Shepherd
Local tribunal: Startforth Rural District Council
Central tribunal: No
Military Service Act 1916 or Attested: Attested
Grounds for appeal: a) continue in current occupation, d) serious hardship, e) exempt occupation
Appellant: Rev A.L. Manby, Military Representative
Summary of case: Closes brother applied for exemption as they have two farms with a total of 1,632 acres and he is essential to the working of the farms. They have been unable to find anyone to take his place. He was granted conditional exemption provided he remained in his current employment and joined the Volunteer Training Corps. The military representative objected and felt that exemption should be limited to six months to allow his brother to get through the winter and to make alternative arrangements. He also recommended that Close should be enrolled in the Volunteer Training Corps. A subsequent application to appeal is included in the documentation but there is no indication of the outcome.
Supporting evidence: No
Date and decision of North Riding Appeal Tribunal: 21 Oct 1916. Allowed. Military appeal. Exemption to 1 Jan 1917. |