On This Day
On This Day, 10 April 1917
On 10, Apr 2017 | In On This Day | By Nicola Gauld
Evening Despatch
Tuesday 10 April 1917
ABSENTEES
TWO SELLY OAK CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS FINED
Joseph Thomas Artless, aged 22, of 4 Raddlebarn-road, Selly Oak, metal turner, and Arthur William Lee, aged 18, of 80 Gristhorpe-road, Selly Oak, clerk, were each fined 40s. at Birmingham to-day on a charge of being absentees from the Army and ordered to await military escorts.
Artless, who was arrested in the Victoria Courts yesterday, said “I am a conscientious objector,” and Lee who was arrested in Suffolk-street, said, “I refuse to take up arms to assist in this war.”
Albert Maloney, aged 32, who was arrested at 66, Baker-street, as an absentee, was remanded for a week for inquiries.
It transpired that his “badge” had been withdrawn by the firm, but that he still held his “certificate”. Maloney contended that he was not liable for military service until the “certificate” was withdrawn by the Minister of Munitions. Lieutenant Malins said that, being over 31, Maloney did not come under the general debadging order.
