| Description | North Riding appeal tribunal number: 4004
Appeal against conscription of: Isaac Ward Hoggart
Age: 21
Address: Market Place, Kirkbymoorside
Occupation: Grocer
Local tribunal: Kirkbymoorside Rural District Council
Central tribunal: No
Military Service Act 1916 or Attested: Military Service Act
Grounds for appeal: Not stated
Appellant: Isaac W Hoggart
Summary of case: Isaac suffers from a rare disease of the middle ear which requires daily treatment. Without this treatment, the condition would worsen and could result in meningitis and even death. Isaac had been examined by a 'Special' Medical Board who found him totally unfit for military service. The military authorities had subsequently called him before a regular Medical Board who, without specialist knowledge, found Isaac fit for military service. The local tribunal ignored the findings of the 'Special' Medical Board and concluded that Isaac's condition was curable, but he had not been following his doctor's instructions for treatment. His application was disallowed. Upon appeal, the chairman of the local tribunal declared that, given the information made available to them at the time, they had reached the correct decision. The appeal tribunal however, states that the decision of the 'Special' Medical Board overruled the regular Medical Board and is of the opinion that this should have been used to reach a decision, along with the evidence of Isaac's doctor, rather than the 'gossip' of certain tribunal members.
Supporting evidence: Yes
Date and decision of North Riding Appeal Tribunal: 17 Nov 1917. Medically rejected |