| Description | North Riding appeal tribunal number: 3367
Appeal against conscription of: William James Hansell
Age: 29
Address: 6 Benson's Yard, Church Street, Whitby
Occupation: Linotype operator
Local tribunal: Whitby Urban District Council
Central tribunal: No
Military Service Act 1916 or Attested: Attested
Grounds for appeal: e) ill health or infirmity
Appellant: Graham Craig, Recruiting Officer/ Military Representative
Summary of case: Hansell was given exemption on 20 Mar 1916 by the local tribunal as his employer stated that he was "indispensable to the publication of the Whitby Gazette". The Recruiting Officer applied for the certificate of exemption to be revised on 6 Nov 1916 but this was refused by the local tribunal. A note states that when reviewed under Order R 122, exemption was granted conditional on an efficient substitute being found. This appeal by the Recruiting Officer is dated 26 Mar 1917. The local tribunal say the facts on this case "are exceptional". They stress the importance of the Whitby Gazette and the fact that 13 out of 14 eligible men employed there had already joined the army. Hansell was the only person trained in the use of the linotype machines, the other being operated by a girl who was still a learner, and was the only man in their employment who could affect repairs.
Supporting evidence: No
Date and decision of North Riding Appeal Tribunal: 11 Apr 1917. Allowed. Military appeal, certificate to be withdrawn, not to be called up before 30 Jun 1917. |