Harrogate Herald - 7th March 1917

To Our Boys on Service

Dear Chaps,

You would see in the picture page of last Wednesday's Herald Frank Learoyd and the announcement that he had been wounded. I am very sorry to tell you that Learoyd has died from his wounds. He lived at Staveley, where he carried on the trade of carpenter in the building of that village just on the left as you enter the village street from Boroughbridge Road or station side. He served his time with Rainforth and Hudson, of Harrogate, and belonged to the old Volunteer band. He was very musical, and for a long time acted as organist at Staveley Church. I knew him very well, and was always glad to meet him, for he was a hearty, jolly Yorkshireman of that pleasant stamp that is so contagious. I was surprised when I heard that he had gone to be a soldier, for I was under the impression he had passed the military age. I am sure you will join me in sympathy with the bereaved family. Hornsey has just reminded me that Learoyd was overage, but he retained that wonderful military spirit which animated the Volunteers of those old enthusiastic times, and deemed it his duty to offer his service to his country. He has made the complete noble sacrifice, and he will not be forgotten.

Now I can tell you more cheerful news. We have been anxious about soldier George Thompson, son of Mr George Thompson, of Victoria Hall. You will remember that he had a bad hurt in his leg. he has been in hospital a long time. We all feared that he might have to have his leg amputated. I saw his father yesterday and enquired as to his son's condition, and was delighted to hear that he is going on satisfactorily. Of late he was so much on the improve that he attempted perhaps a little more than he was able, and was compelled to go back to his couch. he is progressing now quite satisfactorily, and we need have no anxiety on his account. happily, he will not lose his leg. I have heard that he would never have the free use of it, but I understand from his father that in course of time the limb will regain its normal activity, it is hoped and believed, in about twelve months.

I have just sent my jolly tar friend G Stephenson a parcel of gramophone records. I had been waiting to collect more, when Mrs Cockerham kindly sent me a nice collection, which just completed the parcel. I hope, friend Stephenson, that you and your breezy mates will enjoy them.

I have sent Bandmaster Thompson, who is in Egypt, some paper and envelopes. I will tell you the reason. I got a letter from his wife the other day giving me news of her husband, and she told me he was only allowed one envelope a week. Hornsey and I immediately set about arranging a parcel of notepaper for him, and off it went. I am sorry to say that Thompson's wife has been ill since October. She had a relapse on Friday of last week, and her daughter was obliged to give up the work she was engaged in to attend to her. Under her care, I hope Mrs Thompson will soon recover. The husband out where he is has met a friend who used to be in the Ripon Post Office. His name was Lee. The latter now belongs to the Australian Forces, and I am told "thinks the world of your letter to the boys, and wishes to be remembered to you". I am delighted to hear of Lee, and if he sees this column I hope he will accept my kind regards. It would, indeed, be a pleasure to see him in Harrogate. Perhaps he will have the chance. If he does I hope he will not forget to call on me.

I have half a dozen packs of cards, sent to me by Mr T H Wilde, headmaster of Oatlands Mount School. Now I shall be pleased to forward a pack, or more, to any of you boys who happen to want them and write me first. I have a set of chessmen, some song books, and games of Merrill. Further, I have razors in hand to meet the ordinary run of applications. I have likewise about three dozen pairs of socks in stock. Mouthorgans have been very scarce. I have again and again tried to obtain them, but not succeeded. Street the present moment I have one awaiting application. I have a safety razor I can spare, but, as the tradesmen's notice said : "If you don't see what you want in the window, step inside". I can't say to you exactly, but you can write to me for what I have not mentioned, and I will do my best.

I have a parcel of things for Parker, of the Harrogate Industrial Window Cleaning Co. when I last heard of him he was in hospital, through only slight illness. I hope; now, I want to send a parcel to him, but I daren't forward it until I am quite sure of his present address. Perhaps he will let me know where to send. You know Parker gave up his business to enlist, and left his brother in charge, who has since been called up. His nephew at 17 then took charge. I often see the nephew at work and his companion. Parker will be glad to hear from me that I think they are both doing well. At all events I am sure they are very good boys, and work hard and cheerfully.

We had a pleasant bit of excitement on Thursday morning. It was about 11 o'clock when an airship was seen coming over Harrogate. It was one of our own nice, handy little things that moved quietly, steadily, and seemed perfect in its work. The airship flew very low and went all over the town, giving people an excellent opportunity to see it. Of course, everybody rushed to the doors and the windows, and gazed and gazed as long as there was any trace of it left. The aircraft did not hurry away, so I think almost everybody in Harrogate had a good view. We came to the conclusion it must be splendid for scouting, and it looked as safe as houses.

I had Sergeant J Head in last week. He had been invalided home with trench fever and rheumatism combined. At first he was sent to hospital in France. That was in November, when the very bad weather was on; then he was brought to Birmingham, and finally to the Bath Hospital in Harrogate, where he has been exceedingly comfortable. It is some time ago since he drove for the Harrogate Corporation. Just before the war he was in the West Riding Police Force at Wakefield.. he enlisted a year last November, and went out to France the following June. He is a Harrogate boy, and son of Mr and Mrs Head, of Robert Street.

Whilst on active service one of the comrades he met was Norman Kemp, son of Mr William Kemp, our sanitary inspector. Head also saw Charlie Foster, painter, of Tower Street. These he last saw one day in passing through a French village. He had likewise met Cooper, of King's Road. The late Sergeant France, son of Police-Sergeant France, who died long ago, was Sergeant cook in Head's company. Quarter-Master Horsley, clerk at Knaresborough Police Court for some time, was also in Head's company. Horsley was killed in action. my visitor is second cousin to Mr George Head, well-known in connection with the Harrogate Cycling Club, who resides in Robert Street. Sergeant Head desires me to send his kind regards to his old pals at the Front, who are certainly in his thoughts. By the way, those who know her we be interested to know that Head's grandmother still lives in Lund Lane, Killinghall.

George Stephenson, only son of the late Mr Joseph Stephenson, who built Royal Crescent and much other important property in Harrogate years and years ago, died last week in Coventry. He was an inspector in a munitions factory there. Pneumonia, I believe, was the cause of his death. Old fanciers will remember him, for he was one of the fraternity.

A new order is published this (Saturday) morning. It relates to economy in paper. After Saturday next paper cannot be used for newspaper contents bills. Well, that doesn't affect us, because we haven't had them for several months. Another provision is more serious, and that is no bills can be printed above the size of double crown bill. That is the ordinary size of a newspaper contents bill. Even these small bills may not be used by retail traders. That puts the snuffers on the billposting line. Further, tradesmen are not allowed to send out trade catalogues, unless they are written to and requested by private individuals to send them. In the case of contracts entered into it will be lawful to plead "necessity", when these will have to remain in abeyance. From what I can see bespoke tailoring must come to an end for the present. I don't know how it will be for men of abnormal size. They will probably have to make the old clothes do. Commercial travellers seemed to be wiped off the map, except those who have reached the age of 61.

The most beautiful day we have had this year was Friday. It was like summer. Brilliant sunshine all day. Today is Saturday. It is much colder, but the warmth of the sun is less.

Last night another batch of wounded came into Harrogate, and the Volunteers were busy assisting their comfortable removal. This force is doing a good deal of work that has heretofore been done by the regular soldiers. The Volunteers are proving more and more useful.

The Grand Hotel has got into its stride as an officers' convalescent home. The patients are distinguished from fit officers by a small blue band on the left sleeve. Our musical friends are seeing they are well supplied with concert parties. This is very necessary, for I understand they are not allowed out of the home after 7.30 at night. Lord Furness's lavish generosity has certainly provided a most palatial home where wounded officers may obtain speedy recovery. As they move about the town they look very happy and comfortable. They could not have a more beautiful and healthy town in which to recoup. Lady Furness, herself, is the presiding grace over the many other graces of the establishment.

If you have not heard, you will be proud to know that the War Loan has realised in new money £1,000312, 960. you will feel a swelling of pride inside when I tell you that Harrogate's share was £1,671,529, of which £861,852 was new money, together with War Loan Certificates £81,202 - total new money£943,064. the total contributions of Harrogate residents was much more than this, but it is difficult to estimate at present. The money I have mentioned was paid through the Harrogate banks and at the Harrogate Post Office. There are many large manufacturers living in our town who do business in other cities. These are not included in the Harrogate contributions to the War Loan, for such gentlemen would probably invest through banks and brokers in the business towns where they carry on.

I told you a short time ago that Mr Henry Topham and Mr Henry Sergeant had taken the secretaryship of the Harrogate War Savings Central Scheme. To show you what energy they have thrown into the work I must tell you that in the short time they have been secretaries no less a sum than £10,000 has been raised through their associations. This does not include anything to their taking hold. There are no less than 55 associations in Harrogate, and these are increasing constantly. Wonderful Harrogate! She is always at the front of everything.

If we can manage it we shall publish in the Herald of this day a photograph specially taken for us of three Harrogate boys who have met in Malta, and were photographed on purpose to send it to the Herald. I cannot remember their names, but you will find them in another part of the paper.

Of course, most of you Harrogate boys have attended the performances of the Harrogate Amateurs. If so, you will remember that a few years ago "Old Heidelberg" was produced, and a young lady of 16 created a wonderful impression by her performance of the juvenile part. That was Miss Enid Groome. Since then her talent has developed greatly, and some time ago she entered the profession. She is a member of George Edwardes' Daly's Theatre Company. A week or two ago she sprained her foot in dancing, and had to take six weeks' holiday. She is spending that time in Harrogate undergoing one of the wonderful treatments. Whilst in Harrogate Miss Groome is developing her singing voice under my direction, and is doing well.

I have already told you about the A Company, 15th Battalion West Riding Volunteers, which means the Harrogate lot and their new band. On the 29th they are giving a concert at the Crown Hotel, the proceeds of which go to the band instrument fund. In the ranks of the Volunteers are many clever men, so the list of performers is a long and good one. I hope the public of Harrogate will support the event; indeed, I am sure they will, and find themselves well repaid.

One of the trades not deemed essential is bookbinding. I am afraid those who have selected these dispensable trades have been under the impression that bookbinding is a sort of house furnishing luxury. It is a great mistake. Corporations and other public bodies and business men depend largely on the bookbinder for their commercial books, as most of them are not ordinary stock things. Mr Idle would look funny if he couldn't get any rate form books, and the Corporation would find itself in a hole if they were similarly situated. I suspect, however, we shall have a visit from the Rate Collector, book or no books.

There are many firms who are making money in this war time, but very many more who are losing it fast. You know that the building trade has gone very flat. There is no timber to be got, and all sorts of difficulties in this way where people are bold enough to contemplate alterations in war time. I am glad to say there are some Harrogate firms in the building trade, however, who are benefiting by war contracts. They deserve it, and I rejoice at their good fortune.

It is Sunday morning, and I have been talking through the Dictaphone to you for some time. The weather is very similar to that of yesterday, pleasant for walking, and healthy, but just on the dull side. Everything is still outside, for the people are in church. There is just an odd cab or two crawling along, chance they should be wanted. After a very cold wind on Sunday evening I was not surprised to find the ground covered with snow on Monday morning.

You have spent many hours in the Drill Hall. During the war it has been utilised by special constables, Volunteers, their band, until the place is seldom cool. I am told that the tread of many feet over long years has, at last, had effect. The floor is giving way in places. Indeed, there is one dangerous hole already. I presume it will be attended to in course of time, but there are so many formalities to go through I am afraid that time won't be soon.

I am always glad to note cases where the military authorities have shown very human and practical consideration for soldiers. When my son left his farm in the charge of a manager and accepted a commission, he could not have imagined anything else than, if spared he would return to the peaceful, healthy pursuits of his farm. In his absence the farm was sold with other Slingsby property, and re-sold in bits by the purchasers. His stock, everything, has thus to be sold. To overcome the intricacies of the situation would need time and attention. Well, the authorities considerately granted him a month's leave to settle his affairs, and the sale by auction of stock, etc., is to be conducted by Mr Thornton, of Thornton and Linley, auctioneers, Knaresborough, on Friday, the 23rd of this month. You remember the orchard opposite the homestead of Abbey Farm, just next to the Knaresborough rifle range, where you Knaresborough boys have spent many a sunny hour. Well, my wife and family had quite an affection for the orchard, and so I bought it by private treaty subsequent to the sale. You may wonder why we did not buy the farm. Well, simply because it was not big enough. A very good reason for a man with ambition, isn't it?

Can anyone send me Driver A W Parson's (1233) address? He knows where the grave of Private Arthur Bradley is, and I want Parson's address for the information. If any other boy knows the location of Bradley's last resting place I shall be glad to hear from him.

It is a long while ago since we gave a series of photos of soldiers' homes and people, and sent copies out to the boys interested. We gave one of Mr and Mrs Jackson, of Nidd, in the garden of their home. Mr Edward Compton went with us in the car when the photo was taken. It is the son Jackson who has received from the French the Medalle Militaire recently. He worked for Farrah Ltd., the toffee specialists, of Crescent Road, Harrogate, before the war. We may reproduce that photo today, but I never can be sure, because new demands on the photo page crop up the last minute many a week.

Driver F Lambert, RFA, has been killed in action in France. He leaves a wife and six children. This sad news has vibrated the sympathetic cords of many Harrogate hearts.

W H Breare