TOPIC:

Albert Houslop attested for the IY on 31 October 1901 in London



Richard Hodges attested in Exeter 6 November 1901

I've found Albert Houslop cropping up in a report of the London County Council's weekly meeting, held at the County Hall, Spring Gardens, London, on 24th March 1896.

....The Fire Brigade Committee reported: - "Fourth-class Fireman A. J. H. Houslop having acted in a way injurious to discipline, the Chief Officer recommended that the man should be dismissed. Houslop asked to be allowed to appear before us, a request to which we acceded. Having heard what he had to say, and taken his record of service into account, we endorse the Chief Officer's recommendation. We therefore recommend that Houslop be dismissed.
....Mr. Alderman Taylor moved, and Mr. Hubbard seconded, an Amendment to refer the Report back, and complained that Houslop was not allowed to resign.
....Colonel Rotton replied that it would be subversive of discipline to vary the decision of the Committee.
....Mr. Burns, M.P., stated that Houslop's friend and fellow lodger, a man named Russell, was dismissed by the Committee for quarrelling with his landlord, which, after all, was merely the exercise of a Divine right (a laugh). Houslop resented the manner in which Russell was treated, and tendered his resignation, which the Committee refused to accept. Colonel Rotton defended that high-handed proceeding, but he (Mr. Burns) admired the manliness and British pluck displayed by Houslop, and wished the Council to read a lesson to military men against their "high-class and jack-boot policy" (laughter).
....Mr. Bicker-Caarten explained that the landlord with whom Russell quarrelled was paid by the Council for the men's lodgings.
....Mr. Campbell moved to add to the Amendment an instruction to accept Houslop's resignation, but this was objected to, and the Amendment to refer the Report back was adopted.

The Standard, Thursday 26th March 1896

The parish is Antony, on the other side of the Tamar to Plymouth, which explains why it says Cornwall (Plymouth being in Devon).

djb wrote: Richard Hodges attested in Exeter 6 November 1901

Thank you - my error re Houslop but two things to note. The answer to 6 is very odd. Also his age is incorrect as he was born 3rd quarter 1873. Presumably put his age up at some stage to gain entry to the Military.

Excellent find. Thank you. Sounds like he was a strong willed chap.