On the introduction of conscription in 1916, Military Service Tribunals were set up to hear applications and appeals for exemption. Surviving material is fragmented but two complete sets of tribunal papers were retained, including those for the Middlesex Appeal Tribunal. Chris Barnes and David Langrish provide an overview of The National Archives project to digitise these records, highlighting the insights the records provide on the effect of war on society at home, and on the lives of individuals appealing for exemption, and their families and communities. Chris Barnes is a Records Specialist in Modern Domestic history and David Langrish is a Reader Advisor in the Military, Maritime, Transport and Family History team.

This talk formed part of The National Archives' Diversity Week.