| Description | North Riding appeal tribunal number: 5201
Appeal against conscription of: Harry Potter
Age: 19
Address: Sandhutton, York
Occupation: Blacksmiths apprentice
Local tribunal: Flaxton Rural District Council
Central tribunal: No
Military Service Act 1916 or Attested: Attested
Grounds for appeal: a) continue in current occupation, d) serious hardship
Appellant: J Bell, employer
Summary of case: The local tribunal stated that due to the need for men and Potter being A fit he should join the army. Also Bell appeared keen for the cheap labour Potter provided and perhaps he could look harder for a replacement... They dismissed the appeal. Bell appealed against this decision stating that the work he does is in the national importance mainly looking after farm implements, three other blacksmiths in area have closed. Potter is the only man employed; if he were to be called up Bell would be forced to close. They look after 38 farmers; they have 170 horses to shoe and implements to fix. They are four months behind on the work they have.
Supporting evidence: No
Date and decision of North Riding appeal tribunal: 8 Jun 1918. Dismissed. |