John C. Claes

of John Claes, Devis and Co

1918 Offence. 'REGISTRATION OFFENCE BY BELGIAN AT BRAEMAR. Under the Aliens Order. John Claes, engineer. 26 Eden House, Putney, London, residing at the Fife Arms Hotel, Braemar, and described as a subject Belgium of a Belgian refugee, was charged before Sheriff Laing at Aberdeen today, with falsely stating in the hotel register on September 25 that his names was John Claes Moray. Accused - a tall, well-groomed young man, speaking fluent English — pleaded guilty. Claire Sannes, a young woman Belgian nationality, also of London, was next charged with making the false entry at the same hotel— Claire Sannes Moray. "She does not speak English," explained the male accused. The Sheriff asked the young woman whether she knew English, and she replied, "Yes, leetle." In answer to other questions, she said she knew what the charge meant, and that she was guilty. The male accused said when they arrived at Braemar they reported themselves to the police. They had no intention of deceiving the police. Mr Maclennan, the fiscal — Who was it deceive? — the hotel-keeper? and I suppose conceal from the husband of this lady, who is fighting for his country in Belgium, that she and you were living together. The man — I am afraid it is a matter that it is difficult to explain. Mr Maclennan - That is really the explanation, and I see you have been living with her at various places. The Fiscal added that he blamed the man. Of course she was a married woman, and to have known better. He was a man a good position, the member an engineer manufacturing firm doing a big business in London, and the woman used to be a munition worker with the firm. The Sheriff said it was most important in these times that the authorities should know the identity every person who registered at a hotel. He fined the man £3, and the woman £1. The fines were paid.'

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