The Federation of Family History Societies (FFHS) has anounced a new project of Key WWI records MH 47 record series: First World War Military Service Tribunals. 

 

The National Archives, the Friends of The National Archives and the Federation of Family History Societies have started on a joint project to digitise and transcribe these records. Funding is being provided jointly by the Friends of The National Archives and the FFHS.

 

The files consists of minutes and papers from the Central Military Service Tribunal and Middlesex Appeal Tribunal as well as some papers of the Veterinary Tribunal and a printed set of minutes from the Central Medical War Committee. Some 10,000 surviving records of men who wished for a variety of reasons to be exempted from Military Service during WWI. 

 

They also concern men who were troubled about taking part in the War by conscience and religious convictions.  They were often unfairly vilified as cowards but equally there were outstanding displays of courage and personal sacrifice by conscientious objectors working under fire as medical orderlies and stretcher bearers.

 

Further details and some examples of the records can found at National Archives   a research guide on Conscientious objectors and exemptions from military service can be found at NA Research Guide

 

Find My Past the TV show is to return to TV.

 

A further 10 new episodes start on Tuesdays at 9pm, 30 October 2012 on the Yesterday channel: Freeview channel 19, Sky 537, Virgin Media 203. Chris Hollins of BBC Breakfast, Watchdog presents the show.

 

Further details can be found at FmyP TV Show