The thousands who asked to stay at home

The Military Service Act in 1916 required all adult makes aged between 18 and 41 to register for military service unless they had a certificate of exception. But by April 1918, so many servicemen had been killed that the age range was extended to between 17 and 55 and exemptions were further restricted.

The surviving records of the Lothian and Peebles Military Appeal Tribunal contain more than 6,000 cases of men who appealed against being called up for military service following the introduction of conscription in 1916. Reasons varied from conscientious objection, ill health, personal or family hardship to being in jobs crucial to the national interest.

The men concerned in the appeals came from all walks of life, and included those who had already volunteered but whose employers objected.

Some are known to have gone on to serve with distinction, but the appeals reflect the deep impact of the First World War on the surviving families at home.

A few were well-known, among them variety performer Will Fyffe. Others were outspoken political opponents of the war, but only a minority were conscientious objectors.

An online catalogue at www.nrscotland.gov.uk reveals 6,300 surviving applications from March 1916 to October 1918.