Can anyone help? Richard JOHNSTON 1891-1955 Liverpool

[Ellenmai]

Married men were exempt from conscription until June 1916. Richards brother Walter died July 1916 then James September 1916 serving their country then his son James was born October 1916. He could have applied for exemption from conscription on these grounds to his local military services tribunal. Another reason he wasn't conscripted is he could have been in a reserved occupation or only able to do light work such as Heywood mentions as a clerk.
As for the trips to Ireland three of Richards Grandparents originated for Ireland so perhaps he was visiting family.

[garstonite]

we are talking about Liverpool - the busiest Sea Port in the World at the time - ships going to USA / CANADA /SOUTH AFRICA /AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALEAND etc   A VAST majority of Merchant Seaman were from Liverpool - my father included - THEY WEREN'T classed as FORCES even though they provided all the fuel /provisions etc for the Royal Navy - as in the Atlantic crossings .. also the ships passengers came by Road . Rail by their THOUSANDS each week - Richard Johnston may have had one of these jobs - as did SO MANY other Liverpool men ...