| Description | North Riding appeal tribunal number: 5649
Appeal against conscription of: William Henry Duck
Age: 46
Address: 10 Flowergate, Whitby
Occupation: Butcher
Local tribunal: Whitby Urban District Council
Central tribunal: No
Military Service Act 1916 or Attested: Military Service Act
Grounds for appeal:
Appellant: William H Duck
Summary of case: I appeal against the condition of my exemption from Military Service (that I should join the Voluntary Training Corps) feeling that it is quite impossible for me to do more than I am at present doing! My work averages at least sixteen hours daily, after considerably more. I supply over 1100 customers as well as the largest hotels and boarding houses in the town. Their total weekly requirements are very great. I have no help beyond that of a small boy of fifteen, and a man who helps to slaughter. He has to join the Army on September 2nd, which means I shall have still more to do. In the winter, I cure a lot of bacon, generally salting a certain number of pigs every week, commencing in November and continuing until March. I also appeal on domestic grounds owing to my wifes condition. Previously she has been able to give me a certain amount of assistance but is now unable to do very much. Even what she does is against doctors orders it being detrimental to her health. My work therefore is increasing on every side, and I feel most conscientiously though willing that it is quite beyond my power to do more than I am at present doing and shall have to do. The only alternative is letting my business go, which would be very much against National Interest. My health is not of the best, just recently I have been under the doctor. You will note what he says on enclosed paper. The Doctors note states I have known Mr. W. H. Duck of 10 Flowergate for 17 years, and I am thoroughly well acquainted with his physical condition. He is working at his business up to the very limit of his physical powers, and if any extra work be put upon him e.g. Drilling, he will break down in health.
Supporting evidence: Yes
Date and decision of North Riding Appeal Tribunal: 29 Aug 1918 Condition of Volunteer Training Corps removed. Temporary exempt to 1 Mar 1919. |