A. Charlton

Middleton Tribunal 29 July 1918
Reported Oldham Chronicle 3 August 1918

At Middleton Tribunal on Monday, A. Charlton (18), single, grade 2, appealed for exemption on conscientious grounds.

Replying to the Mayor he said he had held his present views for 2 ½ years. He would not be expected to form the opinion before that. His father held the same opinion. He refused to go on munitions two years ago and had to leave the place where he was employed. He was prepared to live up to his principles in every possible way. He belonged to a company of men who met in Manchester to study the word of Christ.

The youth's father said they had striven to bring up their son in the spirit and principles of Jesus Christ, to cultivate a conscience devoid of offence towards God and man. As a result, some years ago, he was able to respond to the call of Jesus Christ and take up his cross.

The Secretary of the Fellowship was called to give evidence bearing out the man's views and a long talk followed between the Mayor and the youth's father, ending the in Mayor saying, "Christ's teaching never yet taught a man not to do his duty, however obnoxious it was."

Later the Mayor said they believed the opinions had been manufactured for the youth for specific purposes.

After a lengthy private conversation the mayor said that the Tribunal, while still of the opinion that the opinions the youth held had been inculcated for certain purposes, according to the law, they were bound to acknowledge them.

The case would be adjourned for two weeks to allow him to obtain work.

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[There is no report of this case in the Oldham Standard
There is insufficient information to identify the man.]

Contributed by Dorothy Bintley