Avoiding Military Service: A Stolen Silver War Badge, 30th June 1917
- jimgrundyrule303
- Jun 30, 2016
- 1 min read
“STOLEN CERTIFICATE AND BADGE.
“HOW MILITARY SERVICE WAS EVADED.
“The successful endeavours of young man to evade military service, for a prolonged period after had been due to join the colours, were partially explained to Mr. T. Shipstone and Mr. T. G. Mellors at the Nottingham Guildhall to-day [30th June 1917].
“Thos. William Howells, who was described as 22 years of age, and as having some connection with the theatrical profession — though there was nothing to bear this out —was charged with failing to report himself under the Military Service Act, and, from the statement of Major McGuire and his own assertions, it appeared that had used the discharge certificate and the silver badge of a sergeant in the Welsh Fusiliers, until the authorities detected a discrepancy between his replies and the particulars contained in the certificate.
“He had been arrested by the county police while sleeping out with two deserters in West Bridgford and now admitted to the magistrates that he had told lies. He bought the certificate and badge he said from a man in Manchester for £5, and was convinced that the man from whom he purchased them had stolen them.
“He was remanded for further inquiries.”
'Nottingham Evening Post', 30th June 1917.