« Reply #5 on: Monday 13 March 17 14:52 GMT (UK) »
Coincidentally I was surfing on behalf of a friend for information on a branch of the Priestman family when I came across your query. I worked for the family firm of Priestman Brothers Ltd., Hull, in the 1950-1960 period.
Here's a link to the Quaker Organisation which sets out their beliefs and from which you will see their thoughts on war. However, we have to bear in mind that there have been periods in history when every area had to supply men to defend the realm; a fact which might explain why "your" Priestman enlisted into H.M.Forces. Knowing how caring "my" Priestman family were, I'm wondering if "your" Priestman thought it was his duty to enlist in order to help lead and keep safe those less fortunate. You didn't say when he enlisted, for instane the Territorial Army was fomed circa 1911 which entailed one meeting a week and a fortnight camp once a year.
Have you looked in the London Gazette to see whether he or his family bought him a commission? In those days the oldest son would have inherited the majority of the family wealth thus a younger sibling would be bought a commission (a commission being an army officer rank) which meant he could circulate amongst young ladies with rich and/or titled fathers from anywhere in the country.
https://www.quaker.org.uk/about-quakers/our-values
Aberdeen: Findlay-Shirras,McCarthy: MidLothian: Mason,Telford,Darling,Cruikshanks,Bennett,Sime, Bell: Lanarks:Crum, Brown, MacKenzie,Cameron, Glen, Millar; Ross: Urray:Mackenzie: Moray: Findlay; Marshall/Marischell: Perthshire: Brown Ferguson: Wales: McCarthy, Thomas: England: Almond, Askin, Dodson, Well(es). Harrison, Maw, McCarthy, Munford, Pye, Shearing, Smith, Smythe, Speight, Strike, Wallis/Wallace, Ward, Wells;Germany: Flamme,Ehlers, Bielstein, Germer, Mohlm, Reupke
