A somewhat singular case came before Luton Borough Tribunal on Saturday evening [April 13th, 1918] concerning a Russian subject named Jacob Kararvanski, who was born in Germany and has spent two years in internment. A single man of 31, residing at Carlton Mansions, Maida Vale, and passed Grade 2, it was stated that his father was a Russian but he lived in Germany until he was 20, and then came to England.

In May 1914 he was engaged as the manager of the Luton branch of Mr Rex Graham's business in Park Square (pictured) as a dental surgeon, and he was so employed until May 1915, when, as he had no papers to prove his nationality, he was interned.

After two years internment, during which he had charge of the dental work at the internment camp in which he was lodged, he was proved by the Russian Government to be a Russian subject and was released. He then volunteered for the R.A.M.C. and was passed as an A1 man.

As B1 men only were wanted, he returned into the service of Mr Graham. In the meantime Mr Graham had closed the Bedford branch of his business, and he now applied for the exemption of Mr Kararvanski as essential to the continuance of the Luton branch, Mr R. Weatherhead putting in certificates to show that both Mr and Mrs Graham were suffering from ill-health.

Mr H. Gardner, National Service representative, urged that there was nothing in the case to justify exemption at the present time. The Chairman (Alderman J. H. Staddon) agreed, but said that some of his colleagues were wondering what use would be made of him.

Mr Gardner said Russian subjects were being called up for labour duties with the British Army, and the Tribunal dismissed the application and refused to defer the calling up beyond May 31st.

[The Luton Reporter: Tuesday, April 16th, 1918]