ALFRED GEORGE BEESTON

To close this window and return to Men associated with Hornsey click here

Alfred George BEESTON

(Alfred’s brother, Robert James Beeston, was also a CO – qv)

Alfred was born in 1888 and became an Assistant Warehouseman for a Tailors’ Trimmings Company.He lived at 391 Wightman Road, in Hornsey, with his parents David (b. 1855, a Grocer’s Assistant, and Harriet (b.1854). There were two sons – Alfred and Robert and three daughters: Harriet (b. 1883) Elizabeth (b.1885) and Ethel (b.1892).

His claim for absolute exemption from military service at Hornsey Tribunal on 4^th March 1916, was dismissed.  He had made it on Christian grounds.  His statement reads: “Being a Christian I have nothing to do with this world’s system”  But the Tribunal found “his claim to be absolutely without foundation…had he really held the views he stated he would not have remained in his present employment in connection with Military Officers’ Accoutrements”

When, however, Alfred appealed to Middlesex Tribunal saying “God having expressed his willingness to bless all men, I could not take the life of any person” he was granted exemption from combatant service.

It is not known whether he joined a non-combatant corps or his case had a different outcome.

Alfred died in 1857 at the age of 69.

National Archives/MH47      Pearce/IWM