“Prisoners At Burwash May Join The Army,” Sudbury Star. January 5, 1918. Page 08.
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40 Reported for Service; 25 Found Medically Fit.
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That twenty-five prisoners at Burwash Industrial Farm, who reported for service and have been found medically fit, may in the near future be allowed to join the colors and receive a pardon for their misdeeds is probable. When the proclamation under the Military Service Act was published, forty men in the institution signified their willingness to serve by reporting for service. of this number 25 were found to be in medical category A2. Eleven claimed exemption at that time, but three of this number whose terms expired were later discharged, leaving only nine cases to be heard. On Friday, the Exemption Tribunal, comprising Judge Kehoe and Mr. T. N. Kilpatrick, together with the Medical Board, Drs. Torrington, Patterson and Dale, went to Burwash, when an examination of prisoners who wished to have their applications for exemption heard was made. Two men in Category A were disallowed, two who were cripples were exempted, and the others in lower medical categories exempted until their classes are called. While the question of allowing prisoners to enlist had been discussed at various times, no official announcement concerning Burwash has yet been made. It may be noted that some of the men who may be given the chance to enlist have almost completed their terms, and would under ordinary rules be eligible to come before the parole board.