The identity of a self-styled "Ambassador of God" who had sought exemption from military service over several months was finally revealed when he appeared at Luton Borough Police Court on Tuesday, December 12th, 1916. Having failed to take required work of national importance, William Dudlick John, aged 39, of 47 Biscot Road, was charged with being an absentee under the Military Service Act.

John was not identified during hearings of various Tribunals at which he appeared. He had originally been granted a certificate of absolute exemption as a conscientious objector, but this was finally varied to one of exemption subject to obtaining approved work of national importance within 21 days.

Of this John failed to take advantage, and the Central Tribunal accordingly directed that he should be furnished with a certificate of exemption from combatant service only. As a consequence notices were sent to him by post from the recruiting office requiring him to report on December 9th and December 11th. As he failed to comply, he was arrested by Police Sgt Clarke on a warrant on the morning of the court hearing.

John's contention was that he had not been properly called up as the notices were issued in the name of Johns and his name was John. In court, when the Clerk called "William Dudlick Johns, John replied "Not here" and remained seated.

When asked if he admitted being an absentee under the Military Service Act, John replied "No," claiming there had been a slight technical breach. He then asked if William Dudlick John had been called up at all as a result. "My name is John. I have not yet been called up and I have a civil case pending with regard to my missionary work."

But Capt R. G. F. Alston, representing recruiting officer Major Orde, said he was the man claimed as an absentee, and the magistrates handed him over to the military authorities and fined him £2.