| Description | North Riding appeal tribunal number: 4456
Appeal against conscription of: Eric Harding Ditchburn
Age: 18
Address: Hillocks House, Moorsholm
Occupation: Coal dealer, general cartman and small farmer
Local tribunal: Skelton and Brotton Urban District Council
Central tribunal: No
Military Service Act 1916 or Attested: Military Service Act
Grounds for appeal: a) continue in current occupation and d) serious hardship
Appellant: Robert Ditchburn, employer and father
Summary of case: I am a coal dealer, a cartman and small farmer. My son Eric H. Ditchburn has entire charge of the business, I have Drs certificate to prove. I am unable to follow any regular employment, owing to a serious accident in the Ironstone Mines some years ago. I lost the sight of one Eye. Had a fractured skull and other injuries. I have 12 acres of land, 5 Beasts, 2 Horses, 3 pigs and 50 head of Poultry. The nearest station is 5 miles off. Ours is the only cart from Moorsholm going daily and if my son is taken it will inflict serious hardship to me as we are depending on him for a living. He left school at the age of 13 to do the work and has done the work of a man ever since.
Supporting evidence: No
Date and decision of North Riding Appeal Tribunal: 15 Feb 1918 Dismissed |