Sunday 31 July 2016

Luton Tribunal Complains About Medical Examinations

Thursday 31st August 1916: The Luton Tribunal hearing appeals against military service has expressed its dissatisfaction with the way in which men are being medically examined at Bedford. The Town Clerk had written expressing concern that two unfit men had been passed for military service and had received a most unsatisfactory reply. A number of other cases had also been noticed, including one man who was not capable even of ordinary volunteering, and another passed fit who was on the verge of consumption. The Mayor remarked that the medical authorities would face serious trouble later if they passed men suffering from consumption. It also seemed that heart disease was not considered sufficient to keep men out of the Army. The Luton Tribunal was not prepared to send men into the Army when it knew they were not getting the examination required by law. A letter has been sent to the War Office and a reply is awaited.


Source: Luton News, 31st August 1916

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