The thousands who asked to stay at home
The surviving records of the Lothian and Peebles Military Appeal Tribunal contain more than 6,000 cases of men who appealed against being called up for military service following the introduction of conscription in 1916. Reasons varied from conscientious objection, ill health, personal or family hardship to being in jobs crucial to the national interest.
The men concerned in the appeals came from all walks of life, and included those who had already volunteered but whose employers objected.
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Hide AdSome are known to have gone on to serve with distinction, but the appeals reflect the deep impact of the First World War on the surviving families at home.
A few were well-known, among them variety performer Will Fyffe. Others were outspoken political opponents of the war, but only a minority were conscientious objectors.
An online catalogue at www.nrscotland.gov.uk reveals 6,300 surviving applications from March 1916 to October 1918.