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ALBERT NORMAN BURRELL
Albert was born in May 1893 and died, aged 94, in 1986 in Chichester. In 1916 he was a clerk at London Omnibus Co. Ltd. and lived with his parents at 98 Beresford Road, Harringay, in Hornsey.
He probably came from a comfortably-off family, his father describing himself in 1911 as a ‘retired gentleman – independent’ and the family lived in a 6 roomed house.
Albert appears to have been an absolutist, although we have no records of what happened to him after his case had been rejected by Middlesex Tribunal. His original application for absolute exemption was to Tottenham Tribunal on 13th March 1916. Not only did he apply under Clause f. (CO) but also under d. (Hardship) and e. (Illness – Albert was not robust had poor eyesight, neuralgia and was deaf in one ear. He told the Tribunal that ‘Love and goodwill towards all men is much higher and nobler than hatred and crime’ and that he considered it ‘deeply immoral to injure and kill men’ and that he would refuse to take the military oath or come under military command whatever the consequences. Tottenham gave him exemption from combatant service only.
He appealed to Middlesex Tribunal saying that Tottenham could not have realised the depths of his belief
- They did not read out his statement either to the Tribunal or the Public
- There was no fair discussion and the hearing only lasted 4-5 minutes.
- He had been refused the right to call witnesses.
Middlesex not only refused his appeal, but also withdrew the exemption from combatant service certificate.
Nothing more is known.
National Archives/MH47
Haringey First World War Peace Forum 