| Description | North Riding appeal tribunal number: 3973
Appeal against conscription of: William Powell Nicholls
Age: 40
Address: Standard Buildings, 67 High Street, Redcar
Occupation: Controlling head of firm of newspaper proprietors, editor, printers, bookbinders etc.
Local tribunal: Redcar Urban District Council
Central tribunal: No
Military Service Act 1916 or Attested: Attested
Grounds for appeal: d) serious hardship
Appellant: Agnes Nicholls, mother and employer
Summary of case: Nicholls was the sole remaining competent person to run the various businesses, which are described in some detail by his mother. He claimed to be editor of three local newspapers, copy of Middlesbrough Standard dated 2 Feb 1918 enclosed, but the local tribunal said that the three were identical except for the titles, and suggested that the case be referred to the Newspaper Experts Committee. The North Riding Appeal Tribunal thought this would be a waste of time. Other work done by the printing and bookbinding arm of the business was described but not thought to be essential. Nicholls was 39 years old and classified C3, and also quoted figures to show the parlous state of the business, which would have to close if he was called up, and his poor state of health. Much of the correspondence is concerned with the dates and times of tribunal hearings.[See also NRCC/CL 9/1/2535]
Supporting evidence: Yes
Date and decision of North Riding Appeal Tribunal: 27 Jul 1917. Dismissed |