MT Coy, ASC attd Base Depot, Labour Corps

Harry Button of 48 New Road, manager to Mr JC Coles grocer, Market Place applied for exemption in the form of application (the applicant did not appear). It was stated that the recruitment officer assented to the exemption.

Sir George Helme: why has this case come before the Tribunal? The Clerk: They have come before the Tribunal for exemption Exemption for a period of four months allowed.

Wilts Times 26 February 1916

Sitting of the Exemption Board – Monday (8 May 1916)

In the case of Harry Button, 33 and single of 44 New Road, Chippenham. The manager of the grocery and chemists business in Market Place formerly belonging to Alderman JC Coles (died April 1916). The chairman said that the facts of the case were that Mr Button had applied for exemption and the Tribunal gave him 4 months. The Army was prepared to grant Mr Button a permanent exemption because of his occupation as a chemist. He was trained to issue all medicines apart from controlled poisons. This put him into the exemption class. Mr Button argued that because he was not able to prescribe all medicines then he should not be exempt. The tribunal awaited a further review of the case.

Wilts Times 13 May 1916

Button June 29th at 29th General Hospital, Salonica from dysentery fever. Pte H Button, ASC MT, dearly beloved husband of Gwendolyn Button, The market Place, Chippenham.

Button June 29th at Salonica from dysentery and fever. Pte H Button (Harry) ASC, beloved son of Mr G and Mrs Button, New Road, Chippenham.

Wilts Times 6 July 1918

Button In proud and undying ever-loving memory of my dear husband (Harry) who died on active service at Salonica June 28th 1918.