East Kent Gazette, Saturday 6th July 1918.

Sittingbourne and Milton Regis.

Failing to Respond to the Call.

At the Sittingbourne Police Court, on Saturday, John Hobbs, 38, single, a barge mate, who have been lodging at the "Prince Alfred" beerhouse, Milton, was brought out before Mr. E. F. Handcock, charged under the Military Service Act with absenting himself when called up for service.

Hobbs pleaded guilty.

Police Constable C. Redgrove stated that on June 28th, acting under instructions, he went to the "Prince Alfred" beerhouse, Hawthorn Road, and saw prisoner. He asked him if he had been notified to report himself at Canterbury on June 24th. At first he said, "No," but afterwards she admitted that he had.

Asked by witness why he had not reported himself he said he was "not well." Witness told him that he should have to arrest and charge him, and he said, "Very well."

Superintendent Crowhurst and Hobbes was a Grade 2 man, and he had a railway warrant to go to Canterbury on the 24th. He failed to report, and the authorities sent instructions for him to be arrested.

Prisoner was ordered to await an escort, the Magistrate saying, "You must make up your mind to be a good soldier."