Charles Edward Fitton

Oldham Tribunal 6 November 1916 and 8 November 1916
Reported Oldham Chronicle 9 November and 11 November 1916

Of 52 Bamford Street, Chadderton, Oldham, a machinist

At Monday's tribunal he was granted a certificate of conditional exemption because he was in a reserved occupation which meant he had to join the Volunteer Training Corps, ambulance corps or the special constables for voluntary work in addition to his job.

After the hearing he wrote at length in what the Chronicle described as "An Extraordinary Letter" to the tribunal refusing to accept these conditions.

He was called to Wednesday's tribunal and the letter was read out. He set out his conscientious objections: they would violate his views as a follower of Christ because these organisations are under the powers of this kingdom and not God… the affairs of this world are out of the control of man and must come under the control of the Prince of Peace. He ended with several Bible references.

Capt Taylor: He refuses to obey law or order
Cllr Owen: He is one of those "millennium dawners" I move it be referred to the Lunacy Commission.

The tribunal removed his certificate of conditional exemption and sent him to non combatant service although some members were in favour of sending him to the military.

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Salford Hundred Appeals Tribunal 5 December 1916
Reported Oldham Chronicle 9 December 1916

Grounds for the appeal of Charles Edward Fitton were: being a follower of Christ and a member of IBSA. It was against his conscience to support the kingdoms of this world.

Are you prepared to undertake work of national importance?
Yes.

Given 7 days to find work of national importance which must be 25 miles or more away from home.

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Born Oldham 24 November 1879
Died Oldham 14 June 1937 - buried Greenacres Cemetery ref. B16 219

1911 census
34 Hobson Street, Oldham
Married living with in laws and wife Mary Lizzie, no children.
Occ. Brass finisher

1939 Deceased

Contributed by Dorothy Bintley