Charles Bostock - Military Tribunal
During the First World War, William Deakin appealed on behalf of several of his employees to prevent them from being sent to war. One of the men who had been called up was Charles Bostock who worked as a 'Steriliser' in the Deakin's jam factory at Toddington. Charles, aged 22, of Winchcombe, tried to enlist following the outbreak of war but was rejected. In December 1915, he attested in Lord Derby's Scheme and William Deakin appealed on his behalf at the Cheltenham Tribunal on the basis that the work carried out by Charles was onerous in nature and that 'the previous man employed at the same work was unable to do it'.
Lieutenant Wood, recruiting representative for the Cheltenham Tribunal, inspected the Deakin's factory to see Charles Bostock at work. It was concluded that Charles was doing more for his country working in the jam factory. Some time after this, Charles received his conscription papers. Lieutenant Paterson revoked the earlier decision by Lieutenant Wood and Charles was requested to join up the following January.
Albert Watkins - Military Tribunal
Mr Roberts represented Messrs. W.R. Deakin at the Military Tribunal of Albert Watkins, aged 18, of Hampton near Evesham, who worked as an under-carter for Deakin's Jam. A certificate opf the War Agricultural Committee had been granted and Albert was given conditional exemption as long as the certificate was in force.