Military Exemptions: The Military Service Act And Corsham

During World War 1 the Government introduced the Military Service Act which meant that single men aged between 18 and 45 were likely to be called into military service. There were allowances for men that were widowed and responsible for children and also for ministers of religion. There were also local Tribunals set up to consider applications for exemptions from individuals who believed that their work was of greater importance or because of their health. There were also conscientious objectors who firmly believed that they should not take up arms or use violence. The local Tribunals also considered these cases to consider the sincerity of men claiming that they were objectors. Conscription was in place between 1916 and 1919.

We don’t know who sat on the Corsham Military Service Tribunal – usually it was retired military men, businessmen, shopkeepers and local landowners - but we do know the details of some men that applied, and they provide some interesting insights into the lives of local people.

You can download the list of Corsham's Military Exemption applications here.