| Description | North Riding appeal tribunal number: 2315
Appeal against conscription of: Percy William Gill
Age: 23
Address: 71, Lindley Street, Holgate, York
Occupation: Clerk for North Eastern Railway Co.
Local tribunal: York City Council
Central tribunal: No
Military Service Act 1916 or Attested: Military Service Act 1916
Grounds for appeal: d) serious hardship, f) conscientious objector
Appellant: Percy William Gill
Summary of case: He lived at home with his widowed mother who would suffer financial hardship if he was sent. His main case was as a conscientious objector where he also refused to undertake work that would release another man to go to war. The list of questions and answers re his conscientious objection are included in the case papers. He had worked previously for six years as a botanist with the British Botanical Association and worked at the Old Priory Adult School. He had always been an uncompromising opponent of warfare as a means of settling international disputes. These case papers were sent to the Central tribunal which allowed exemption from combatant service, provided that if within one month he takes up work of national importance to be approved by the Pelham Committee and he is to be absolutely exempt from all military service so long as he continues to be so employed.
Supporting evidence: Yes
Date and decision of North Riding Appeal Tribunal: 16 Dec 1916. Allowed exemption from combatant service. To take up work of national importance approved by Pelham Committee. |