| Description | North Riding appeal tribunal number: 2016
Appeal against conscription of: Stephen Kettlewell
Age: 26
Address: 14 Filey Terrace, York
Occupation: Wood and stone carver
Local tribunal: York City Council
Central tribunal: No
Military Service Act 1916 or Attested: Military Service Act
Grounds for appeal: f) conscientious objection
Appellant: Stephen Kettlewell
Summary of Case: I have a deep rooted conviction that all wars are ethically wrong and opposed not only to the teaching of Jesus Christ but to the spiritual development of humanity and the advance of civilisation, Therefore it is impossible for me to bear arms and against this I have an absolute conscientious objection. These views I have held for twelve years, my greatest friend who could testify to this is at present recovering from a serious illness as a result of the persecution he has undergone for similar views. I will gladly undertake work of national importance, or ambulance work, providing I am physically capable of undertaking it. I am quite willing to assist in the saving of life, but I cannot participate in the taking of life. This I stated to the local tribunal, and they ignored it.
Supporting evidence: Yes
Date and decision of North Riding Appeal Tribunal: 10 Nov 1916. Allowed to join non-combatant corps |