starred occupations

[beverley]

Would a Master Plumber be classed as a 'starred occupation', and would such a tradesman have been conscripted about 1917/18 if it was??

[Tony Lund]

It seems that by 1918 his age and fitness rating are more important factors than occupation, officially at least.

After June 1918 a physically fit plumber born on or after 1885 could only appeal for exemption from military service on domestic or conscientious grounds. His occupation would no longer be considered to be a factor at the Military Tribunal. However, there was provision for an application to be made to the Ministry of National Service in the case of men who were employed on work of national importance, and even if a regular appeal on domestic or conscientious grounds was turned down an appeal against that decision could then be made to the area’s appeal tribunal.

For example a man turned down at the Huddersfield or Holmfirth Tribunal could appeal to the West Riding Tribunal. He could also be represented by a solicitor and request another medical examination if he thought he was not as fit as the army doctor said he was, but these examinations were a standing joke in this area at that time, so it may not do any good, but a man can try it if he wants to.

So it seems to depend on a combination of factors and it gets more complicated as the war progresses.

Tony.

[beverley]

Thanks for your reply Tony. He (my grandfather) was born in 1884, but I don't think he was conscripted until after about May 1917. Probably cos of his occupation then.

[Greenwoodman]

Apart from Ship's Plumber and Plumber's Labourer (shipwork), Plumber was not a certified occupation under the 1916 Military Service Act.