Description: The above are extracts from records of the Middlesex Appeals tribunal, which was set up to hear appeals against conscription during the First World War. They come from the appeal files of Alfred and David Baggs, part of a family of three brothers.

In 1916 Alfred Baggs applied for exemption from the war, saying that he did important agricultural work, collecting refuse and looking after animals. He was granted an exemption for only one month, in part because the tribunal felt his father could run Alfred's business while he was at war. Top left: Alfred Baggs writes a letter apologising for 'losing his temper' at the tribunal.

In May 1918, Alfred again appealed to the board, this time to keep his youngest brother David at home. This appeal was unsuccessful, and we learn that this 'so upset the father that he wrote a letter setting out that he was not mad but intended to do away with himself, as he could not manage without his son David' (right). Alfred and David's father was found in a river near to his home and a verdict of 'suicide by drowning' returned. Despite the sad circumstances of the family, David was only granted an exemption for three months, however all four brothers were to survive the war.

You can read more about our conscription records on our blog: blog.nationalarchives.gov.uk/?s=conscription

Date: 1916 and 1918