SPLENDID RESPONSE

Evening Star, Issue 23701, 8 October 1940, Page 2

SPLENDID RESPONSE

BALLOTED MEN MEDICALLY EXAMINED ONLY 1 PER GENT. FAIL TO TURN UP The first Medical Board appointed to examine men called up for the Territorial Forces under the first ballot sat at the Dental School last night. One hundred and ninety men had received notice to attend, and only two of this total failed to turn up. Allowing for sickness and other eventualities, a 99 per cent, response must be considered extremely gratifying, and the Army Department to-day expressed its pleasure. Such a response not only eases department work, but it also shows a readiness on the part of the men .called up to co-operate with the authorities Another pleasing aspect was that of the 188 attested, only one proclaimed himself a conscientious objector, and his case will be considered in due course. Although tho hoard sat late —the last man being .put through at 11.45—th0 behaviour of the men throughout was all that could he desired, and both the authorities and medical men commented upon the fact, and they hope that the happy state of affairs will continue throughout the nights the board will sit before all the men are examined. ft had been expected that the percentage of unfit men would show an increase on those previously examined under the volunteer system, if only because men physically disabled would be called up. whereas, in view' of that disability, they would not consider enlisting. This expectation was realised, and there was a fair percentage of men classified permanently unfit last night. Those passed fit underwent X-ray examinations at the Hospital this afternoon.