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My Husbands 2x Great Uncle Ned Hoyle was aged 37 in 1914, his occupation was coalminer, he doesn't appear to have joined up or taken any part in WW1. At his age would he have been considered to old or because of his occupation more valuble keeping the home fires burning.
It is possible that he suffered from some disability that prevented him going to fight, but I don't know at what age a Man was considered to old to join up.

Not sure what age either Joan but I think mining was reserved.

My grandfather never served in WWII because he was colour blind.

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Mel

Searching for lost relatives? Win the Lottery!

I agree with Mel, I would have thought being a miner was a reserved occupation.

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Gloria

I'd be dangerous with a brain.

The upper age limit was 41 when conscription was introdeced in 1916, it was later raise to 51(!).
I don't think there was actually a list of specified exempt occupations, it was left to local tribunals to decide whether a man could be more useful at home than on active service.
As Mel and Gloria say, I suspect miners would have found favourable treatment at the boards' hands

http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/FW ... iption.htm

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Maureen
If you can't fight, wear a big 'at