“The military representatives said they had to consider the national interests. If they went in for any sentiment, they should go in for Imperial sentiment.” West Briton, 6 April 1916.
Mr W. Mitchell, 37 St. John’s Terrace, Devoran, contractor and builder, and owning the oldest established business in the district was exempted until September 1st when he will have to join up. West Briton, 15 June 1916.
[A W. Mitchell appears on the Devoran Roll of Honour]
Mr Edward Gay, 29, Carclew Terrace, Devoran appealed on the ground that he ran a carriers’ bus and had coal business. He was married with two children. Exempted till August 1st and then join up. West Briton, 15 June 1916.
[An E.E. Gay appears on the Devoran Roll of Honour]
Mr J.H. King, 32, married, Traction Engine driver and fitter, Devoran, was appealed for by Mr. W.F. Simmons Hodge. The man was indispensable having been employed by applicant for seven years. They hauled 2300 tons of manure last year and hoped to do the same this year. Exempted until October 30th and then to be reconsidered. West Briton, 13 July 1916.
Mr Edward J Lilley, gardener, Trevella, Feock appealed and requested his case to be heard in camera. He was recommended for non-combatant service. West Briton, 13 July 1916.
[An E.A. Lilly is recorded on the Roll of Honour]
Mr R.J. Langdon, 26, single, butcher and farmer of Devoran, who had been passed in Class C1, appealed. The Advisory Committee recommended that the man should join up, unless he could be a substitute for a butcher classed for general service. Applicant assisted on a farm of 55 and a half acres. He had had the butcher’s business for four years. He had another brother aged 18. His father was 60 years of age. [Exempt until] February 1st, 1917 then to be reconsidered. West Briton, 9 October 1916.
Mr J.M. Skewes, 27, married, boot repairer, Greenbank Terrace, Devoran, appealed. It was stated that there were two other boot repairers nearby, both over military age. Applicant had been 20 years in the trade, and had work from Devoran, Bissoe, Perranwell, Perran Wharf and Point. The decision was November 1st and join up but the applicant asked whether he could be granted until November 31st as it was a busy time. The Chairman remarked that the man would be very valuable in the army. The decision was eventually varied to November 31st. West Briton, 9 October 1916.
[The name J.M.S. Skewes appears on the final Devoran Roll of Honour].
Mr. S. Lilley, 22, single, Post Office, Feock appealed. He supported his widowed mother and kept the Post Office. His sister “carried the post”. The decision was that applicant should join up and applicant said he should appeal to the County tribunal. West Briton, October 9 1916
Blog posted by Mark Norris, Devoran War Memorial project, 13 November 2018
Part of our ongoing research for late 2018/19 will be into the Military Tribunals, Conscientious Objection and appeals against Conscription in the local Devoran and Feock area.
Devoran War Memorial Cornwall 