| Description | North Riding appeal tribunal number: 3781
Appeal against conscription of: William Henry Reddin
Age: 30
Address: Market Place, Thirsk
Occupation: Ironmonger
Local tribunal: Thirsk Rural District Council
Central tribunal: No
Military Service Act 1916 or Attested: Military Services Act
Grounds for appeal: a) continue in current occupation b) engaged in different occupation d) serious hardship e) ill health or infirmity
Appellant: H. Reddin and son
Summary of case: The man appealed for is a partner in the firm of H. Reddin & Son, Ironmongers, Thirsk which is the largest firm of Ironmongers in Thirsk. We also carried on the business of Electricians & Motor Engineers but owing to the reduction of our staff & one of the partners who was the head of that department having joined the Transport Service in Engineer on Board Ship, this part of the business has had to be closed down & only one car is now in use and used solely for Military & business purposes. Particularly the whole of our business is now carried on is an Agricultural one, supplying large farming estates and farmers in the district with all classes of Iron work, tools etc., for farming and agricultural purposes. Prior to the outbreak of the War we employed 8 men and errand boy and other casual assistance on Market days, the partner now appealed for being included in this number, but not the senior partner now appealed for and one man 42 days of age and occupied as warehouseman. Others have joined His Majestys forces, including one of the partners. No previous application has been made for any of the men and we would not now appeal for this partner were it not that his services are of absolute vital importance to the carrying on of the business. He assists in the warehouse with all the heavy work, attends to repairs of boilers, ranges and shop and has entire charge of all the Books, accounts and correspondence, such work being of vital importance to the business. He has skilled and practical knowledge and experience of the trade and if his services are not allowed to us it will mean very serious financial loss and hardship to the business of which he is a partner and will also mean the practical closing of the same. The business is of vital and National importance especially to the farming community. Previous he has been rejected but now passed C.2. He does not enjoy good health, suffers from deafness and sore throats and we respectfully state that his services are of more importance to the community than being engaged in Class 2 Army work. He is also a Special Constable.
Supporting evidence: No
Date and decision of North Riding Appeal Tribunal: 4 Jul 1917 Dismissed |