Donald McArthur, 6th Black Watch "Claimed by the Postal Authorities"

[dhubthaigh]

I have found the Attestation Form of a Donald McArthur who enlisted in the 6th Black Watch on 9th September 1914 while a clerk in Aberfeldy Post Office.

I know of two other men who joined the local Territorials having left Aberfeldy Post Office and who went out with the first draft in May 1915.

However, Donald's form shows that he was discharged on 23rd September 1914 being a "Postal Employee" and further down the form it states Discharged in consequence of being claimed by the Postal Authorities.

As far as I know the Post Office was not a reserved occupation and the Post Office Museum site re WW1 states that "every male employee was sent a letter encouraging him to enlist - a plea that was echoed by union leaders".

I've never seen this before and wondered if anyone else had encountered such circumstances?

[DavidOwen]

Could be have served in the military postal service?

Example of a MIC https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D2096138

Possibly interesting documents https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/a9686348-2890-40dc-9efb-ef1c1a15e415

https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C1426630

 

[Terry_Reeves]

In fact some postal workers were held back, in particular telegraphists.

TR

[dhubthaigh]

Thanks for replies, appreciated.