| Description | North Riding appeal tribunal number: 229
Appeal against conscription of: Francis William Thompson Jnr
Age: 28
Address: Ampleforth, Malton
Occupation: Grocer and baker and provision merchant
Local tribunal: Helmsley
Central tribunal: No
Military Service Act 1916 or Attested: Military Service Act
Grounds for appeal: a) continue in current occupation, d) serious hardship, f) conscientious objection
Appellant: Francis William Thompson
Summary of Case: Conscientious objection I strongly feel that all war is wrong and contrary to the spirit of Christ, and therefore Im unable to undertake any military duties or oath for same, neither can I partake in the making of materials for warfare. The local tribunal had commented on this claim when giving reasons for originally refusing Thompsons appeal: The tribunal were of opinion that the conscientious objection was an excuse to avoid military service and that the applicants plea under this heading is not sincere. That he had already taken an oath of allegiance when sworn in as a Special Constable. The appeal to the North Riding Appeal Tribunal is supplemented by his business being of national importance. In his original appeal to the local tribunal he stated that his business supports five employees. The local tribunal found this last point to be untrue as the business was being run by his parents, and they had refused the appeal
Supporting evidence: No
Date and decision of North Riding Appeal Tribunal: 29 Mar 1916. Dismissed. |