By late 1915 the casualty rate on the battlefields of Western Europe threatened Britain’s ability to continue the fight. Initially, Lord Derby the General-Director of Recruiting, attempted to lift volunteer numbers via a scheme where men could ‘attest their willingness to serve’ if called. It was envisaged that young single men would be called first, and married and older men if necessary. The scheme failed, and in January 1916 the Military Act introduced a blanket conscription, initially for men aged 18 to 41.

Those who had willingly attested to serve, or felt pressured, were now faced with the stark reality of going to war. Military tribunals were set up nationwide to hear the cases of those men seeking exemption, either temporarily or permanently. The reasons for appeal included personal or family hardship, being engaged in vital war work, or having irreplaceable specialist skills. Only 0.7% of cases were based on conscientious objection.

Some 1200 Bury St Edmunds Borough Tribunal case records survived despite orders to be destroyed. We therefore have a unique glimpse of life in the town during the war and this 60minute illustrated talk brings to life a selection of the men caught up by the demands of war.