Military Tribunals – George COLLETT

Applied for exemption on conscientious grounds. He did not believe in war in any shape or form, but in the love and brotherhood of mankind. He also appealed on the ground that he looked after his father and mother. In answer to the Chairman, applicant said he had had a conscientious objection to war ever since he could remember. He belonged to the Church of England. He had 1½ acres of land on his own account, and helped his sister on her five acres (her husband being on service), and he also helped his brother on his land. In answer to the military representative, applicant said he was not prepared to do anything for his country under the military authorities. He did not think his brothers shared his feelings.

Conscientious objector; he also appealed on the ground of hardship. He said he was a market gardener and helped to support his father and mother. He did not recognise that he had any duty to his country. Mrs Sparrow, a sister of appellant, said her brother helped her with her 5½ acres of land; her husband was on service. She had two children (one a daughter aged 17) and her separation allowance was £1 a week. Her brother looked after his parents.

George Collett said he cultivated 1½ acres of land for himself and looked after 5½ acres for his sister, Mrs W D Sparrow, whose husband is in France. Mrs Sparrow has no one else to work on her land. In answer to the Chairman, Collett said he was a conscientious objector and had a non-combatant certificate; he had to think of other people besides himself, and that was why he appealed.

George Collett (29), single, Badsey, appeared as occupying 1½ acres himself and working 5½ acres for his brother-in-law, Sergeant Sparrow, who is in the Army. He is a conscientious objector and holds a non-combatant certificate. He is passed for C2.

George Collett (29), of Badsey, who had been granted exemption until March 31, subject to substitution, asked for a renewal of his certificate. Collett is a conscientious objector. He said he worked 7 acres of land altogether, his brother-in-law being in the Army. His sister Mrs Sparrow assisted him on the land. He had been passed C2.