Robert Greenwood

Middleton Tribunal 25 January 1917
Reported Oldham Standard 26 January 1917

A sitting of the Middleton Tribunal was held on Thursday afternoon …

… Robert Greenwood, a bank clerk, 27 years of age, raised a conscientious objection to military service.
The Mayor did not read his appeal beyond the first sentence, that war was "organised murder."
The man said he had answered all the questions submitted to conscientious objectors.
The Mayor: Have you been medically examined?
- No, I have an objection to undergoing medical examination. I do not intend to be a soldier and do not see that it is necessary to have an examination. It would be a waste of time for me and the army.
The Mayor (ironically): I quite agree, it would.
In reply to the Mayor, applicant said he was prepared to go on the land, although in doing so, it would mean he would have to sacrifice his salary and possibly the prospects of returning to the bank.

Exempted to February 23rd in order to get work on the land.

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Middleton Tribunal 15 February 1917
Reported Oldham Standard 16 February 1917

"R. Greenwood, a conscientious objector who had been ordered to find work of national importance, reported by letter that he had been offered a situation at Willesden Junction, London at 25s per week, his wife and children to live rent free on the farm.

There are 15 acres of land, 12 under the plough and he has to do the work by himself.

The tribunal expressed satisfaction at the arrangements."

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Born Middleton, 19 December 1899
Died Penrhyn Bay, Llandudno, 13 August 1955

1911 census
206 Rochdale Road, Middleton
Single with parents
Occ: Bank clerk

1939 register
Ridgeside, Marple, Cheshire
With wife Ethel, a daughter and widowed mother
Occ: Deputy chief inspector, Joint stock bank

Contributed by Dorothy Bintley