Harrogate Herald - 20th June 1917

To Our Boys on Service

Dear Chaps,

A pleasant little episode occurred last Wednesday night. I had left work and was sitting in the music room upstairs, when I was summoned to R Rudd. He is the captain and the only remaining officer of the 2nd Harrogate Boys' Life Brigade. He came to tell me that a short time ago someone presented a cricket ball to the lads, and seeing I was wanting one for the boys at the Front, they unanimously decided to give it to me for that purpose. Captain Rudd told me the boys were outside, and so I invited them into my room, where the ball was duly handed over. You can imagine, with something like thirty boys perhaps, that my room was fairly full. They were a fine lot of little chaps, with the glinting light of intelligence big I their eyes. I was glad to meet them and frankly told them so. After I had said a few words of encouragement and admiration, I amused them by showing and letting them hear the Dictaphone. They were mightily interested. I must tell you that fifty boys, including the Oatlands lot, comprise this Brigade, and they are taught ambulance and signalling work. The Trustees of Wesley Chapel have been very good to them, for they have put the old Sunday school and other rooms at their disposal for meeting places. Although I mention this denomination I should tell you that the movement is entirely un-denominational. Captain Rudd, as he is termed, I found to be an old friend. He remembered me way back in the time of the old Harrogate Minstrels - when I was light-hearted enough to black my face and take a share in the performance. Rudd even sang the boys a verse of one of the comic songs which I used to sing as tambourine in the troupe. Altogether the little chaps had a good time. Certainly I had. Captain Rudd's address is 64 King's Road, and I should like the boy who receives the ball to drop a little note to him thanking the boys. They will greatly appreciate such a letter. apart from this they are worthy of every encouragement.

Sergeant C E Croft, of the Beechwood Boys, is at home on long leave, for he is to be granted a commission, and shortly goes to an officers' training school. He looked in the other day, and I am glad to say brought his amiable wife. Croft got his first stripe before he received his uniform, so he wore it for a time in his pocket. Oh, what a bad day the 3rd of may was for the Beechwood lads! Well, Croft was wounded in the leg on that very day. There is nothing the matter with him now, however. He is the picture of health and activity, and having climbed from the very bottom rung of the ladder he will make not only a proficient but a brilliant officer. Further, he has just the disposition and the genial man-to-man manner which will make him popular with his men. Some of his friends may like to be reminded that his home is at St George's terrace, Skipton Road, Harrogate.

Sergeant Major Howard Horner, of the Beechwood Boys, is missing, and I should be glad if you lads could send me information regarding him. All we know, up to the present, is that private letters from comrades reported him slightly wounded in the wrist on the 3rd May. He did not want to leave the trenches, but his officer insisted. His friends next heard from the Red Cross, the War Office, and York that he was wounded. Nothing has been heard since. Whether he has been shifted from hospital to hospital or taken prisoner we do not know, but naturally his wife and friends and, indeed, all of us are anxious to hear something regarding him, and we are confidently hoping for the best.

About half-past five on Friday morning I was awakened by the sound of some aircraft. I knew it could not be an aeroplane, and got up to see. It was a lovely morning, and there flying quite low just over our window that faces the Stray was one of the most beautiful fish-shaped airships, sailing smoothly and leisurely in a wide circle over the town. Its nose glittered in the sunlight like a diamond, whilst the body of the craft gleamed like silver. It was a most impressive experience, more suggestive of peace than war. We could see the movement of the propeller, and felt would have penetrated with inquisitive eyes the car, but that was impossible. There was no one to be seen in the street, but many people saw it from within. When it reached Harlow Hill it looked as if it would strike the observatory, it was flying so low. At the precise moment it turned gently aside and passed serenely by. One could but with difficulty suppress the impulse to cheer.

Private J R Petch, of the 15th West Yorks, is a prisoner in Germany, having been taken on the 3rd of May. His friends, when they heard he was missing, were apprehensive and full of trouble. A postcard from him brought immense relief. They received a postcard from a certain depot, where they look after their own boys who are prisoners, asking for sizes of his cap and boots, and intimating that clothing and food had been sent to him.

News has just come that Private H L Hughes, son of Mr Hughes, fruiterer, Crown Place, is also a prisoner at the same place as Petch - Cassel, Germany. It is with relief we have also heard word has come from Private W Archer, who was wounded in action, as is in hospital in Germany, a prisoner at the same place. His home address is 9 Pearl Street, Starbeck.

I have had many friends of missing soldiers, especially those who were missing on the 3rd of may, to see if I could give them any help or encouragement. I am glad to say that I was able to send them away more cheerful than when they came and decidedly hopeful. I received this early news of the postcards having come from missing prisoner soldiers after seeing friends of Sergeant Major Horner. I hope the good news of missing men turning up as prisoners will bring still further comfort and hope to those who have not yet heard from their boys. in the case of Petch, the usual rumour came through by means of some boy's letter to friends suggesting that Petch had been killed. I hope all you boys will be very careful in sending any such information. It is best not to mention mere rumours or surmises. Say nothing if you do not have direct evidence. You see, though you may write to somebody in confidence, it is bound to get out, and it is whispered from ear to ear and it grows. The consequence is the relatives are anxious and distressed. I know how these rumours arise, and I am sure they are given in good faith. You are told that a boy is missing. Somebody else is likewise informed, and perhaps he will say, "I hope he is not killed". Well, that word killed sticks, and in passing from mouth to mouth it gradually becomes converted into a statement that such and such a boy has been killed. So you will be very careful in your letters, won't you, even in those to your most intimate friends?

Owing to his boat, which was an auxiliary, having been torpedoed, my mariner friend Noble, of Crab Lane, Bilton, is home on ten days' leave, preparatory to joining another vessel. He is very well, and was glad to know his old chum Sergeant Coates had got the MM. He was looking forward to seeing his friend Private Beer, of the Canadians, who had been wounded, but was coming to England. Since I saw him last Noble has had plenty of adventures, but I cannot tell you anything about them.

Of course, you know that many other men besides our Australians had a hand in digging those tunnels for the mining of Messines. I have seen no mention of the fact, however, in the papers. For instance, Norman Allen, of whom I have written you, who is in hospital here on account of his wounds, had a share in that digging. Allen is getting on well, and so is Maurice Fenwick and all the other lads.

To George Colin Pitkin : I received your letter on Friday morning, and just as I was reading it the Mayor walked in, so I handed your note to His Worship, who will immediately attend to the matter. In fact, when he left me he was going on the first errand in connection with it.

Next Saturday our flag day is on behalf of the poor Serbians.

I am sorry to tell you that our good friend assistant station-master John Knowles is lying seriously ill. I have known him since he was quite a young man and such a successful comedian in the Station Staff dramatic performances. The mutual friendship we formed then has continued uninterrupted all these years. I need not tell you, therefore , how anxiously I am hoping for his recovery. I told you about those two fine sons of his, who are in the Army fighting, and you will remember that one of his daughters married my genial friend Fred Allen, formerly of Cathcart House, but now we almost consider him a Canadian. That is when he is in Canada. Here, he is thoroughly English, and fighting along with you boys across the water. Later in my letter if I have heard further about my old friend Knowles I will let you know.

It is still pretty hot here, boys. and Harrogate is a picture under the bright sun - but, stay, I should have said that Harrogate is a beautiful frame; the pictures are the ladies I their delightful summer dresses. You can construct the fair scene in your mind, I am sure. Our artistic Corporation gardeners are busy planting out in the ornamental public plots of the town the choicest bloom. How they manage to grow so much young stuff is a mystery, for they have but limited glass. The Kursaal, the baths, and Crescent grounds all have yet to be furnished with bloom, not to speak of the little plots all over the town. You know them all, and I dare say you are just now inhaling in your minds the rare perfumes you remember in pre-war times. Have another sniff. It will help you to keep smiling.

Just as I am writing this in walks one of our Herald Office staff, fresh from the Front - Private J E Tindall, of the West Yorks. I knew his smile at once. It was good to see him looking so well and happy. He is an orderly at headquarters out in the open, and has had his share of the rough. He has waited twenty-one months for his leave, so you will know how good it is to him. Rather a long time to wait, though. He wanted a safety razor for Lance Corporal Kemp, son of William Kemp, sanitary inspector, which I immediately handed over. It was one of those little beauties from Mrs Murray. Tindall is still using a case of blades given him by Nurse Clarkson some time ago.

At 8.40 on Sunday morning we received the following telegram : "Zepp raid Kent and East Anglia early this morning. Great damage. One Zepp destroyed - Official". Being Sunday and the news coming so late, we had the exclusive use of this information, and so promptly telephoned it all over the Division to our agents, the military at Ripon, various officials, and public men. All day unusual crowds gathered round our office window to read the news. I overheard a wounded soldier who was reading the telegram explain, "Germany's last hope". I think this about described it.

At 6.40 pm Sunday the following details came : "One enemy airship dropped six bombs on Kentish coast town. Two killed, sixteen injured. Large number houses damaged. Second raider attacked East Anglian coast town, and was brought down by air pilot. No casualties or damage East Anglia".

Wild rumours circulated all day. Two private wires alleged 2,000 killed, other reports dealt in hundreds. When the facts became known relief was great. My telephone was kept busy all evening answering enquiries from far and near. Crowds at the office window continuously.

I had the pleasure of a visit from the father of Private Harry L Hughes, whom I mention as a prisoner of war in Germany in another part of this letter. I ascertained from Mr Hughes that his son had been wounded in the right leg by shrapnel; so that accounts for him having been taken prisoner. I am delighted things have turned out so well for him and others, likewise grateful that he should have asked his father in the first postcard from his German prison, so promptly to let me know.

Many of you boys, especially those who worship at St Robert's, will learn with pride that Second Lieutenant R Bickerdike (brother of Father Bickerdike, of St Robert's Church, who, by the way, is chaplain of the Catholic Boys' Brigade, and, if I mistake not, the founder) has received the Military Cross. His company was the first to enter Bullecourt. For his distinguished work he was promoted lieutenant. I am continually enjoining the mothers and wives of missing soldiers not to lose faith even when indications point to a probability of their loved ones having been killed. To such I would say just listen to what I am going to tell you about Lt Bickerdike. Father Bickerdike received a telegram from the military authorities saying that his brother was wounded, missing, and believed killed. Now, had Father Bickerdike not had faith, what an uncomfortable time he would have had. A short while after he had received the grave telegram, he had a letter from his brother, who said he had been wounded, but was on duty. Next came a letter from the War Office announcing that the brother was wounded but still on duty. Lt Bickerdike had a miraculous escape. A bullet passed through the front of his helmet, and came out at the back, leaving a huge bulge. The missile just grazed the top f his had, narrowly escaping the brain. Learn a lesson from this miraculous incident, dear boys, and do not lose faith even in those gravest moments when you think the proof is indisputable.

To Bernard Hollins : Thanks for the address.

Still the friends have heard nothing from Private K Graham, who was wounded on the 3rd of May. He has not been reported missing, and, of course, his people are anxious because they have heard no further news. Will you boys see what you can do? He is one of the Beechwood Boys.

I told you that Private W Rowling, younger son of Mrs Rowling, of Montpelier Gardens has been wounded on the 3rd of May. Well, he was first removed to Cardiff, then to a convalescent home in Brecon. He has been home on ten days' leave, and on Monday went to Clipstone to a reserve battalion. He is not looking very well. If even I can see it I don't suppose that he will be coming out to join you for some time. He certainly is not fit yet.

Private G Todd, son of Mr and Mrs Todd, of Holme Bottom Farm, Nidd, who is in the KOYLI, is home on leave. His brother, Private W Todd, of a West Yorkshire regiment, has been missing since May 3rd. If you can help me to information, please do.

I have just heard from another of the wives where a soldier husband was missing, and whom I did have faith that her man was not dead but a prisoner. The lady is Mrs Lang. Her husband, Private Lang, is a prisoner in Dulmen, Germany, and has sent the wife a postcard. One more happy household!

News has just come that Private John Smith, son of Mr and Mrs Charles Smith, 37 North Lodge Avenue, New Park, was wounded April 28th. In answer to enquiries an officer writes to say that he was cleared through the clearing station. Since then his people have heard nothing, and they are anxious. Can you boys get the mother the information she so sorely needs? His number is 925070, B Company, 7th Platoon, 5th Canadian Battery.

I lament to say that my soldier friend Gunner F Padgett (the only son of his mother) has been killed in action. His mother, who lives at 36 Mount Street, Oatlands, has heard that he was killed instantly by a German shell and suffered no pain.

Torpedoman G Stephenson looked in on me on Monday, having arrived home on leave Sunday. He has sailed far since he was last home in February, and seen much; amongst other things he came across the American destroyers on their way here. His brother Tom Stephenson is "with him" at sea, so to speak, but they are so situated they cannot meet or see each other. Tom is in a submarine and G is not. See? I was remarking what a pity our submarines cannot fight U-boats. Stephenson told me that on one occasion a U-boat tried to get a sugar ship, but was sunk by an E-boat.

Private Norman McLeod (I think one of the Beechwood Boys - at any rate, he is of the Yorkshires) was returned missing last week. Happily, his mother, who lives at Goldsborough Mill, has received intimation that he is alive and well, but a prisoner at Cassel in Germany.

You will be more sorry than you can say to hear that the wife of Mr Purvis, station-master, Harrogate, has passed away. Though you may not have known the lady, you have recognised, as we all have, that in Mr Purvis his many friends, especially the travelling public, have recognised one whose kindly heart and untiring courtesy have ever been devoted to the comfort and well-being of all who required his good offices. We feel how sad it is that the path of such a man should be shadowed by bereavement, and your united sympathies with ours will go out to him in this time of sorrow. I trust that such assurance may sustain and comfort him.

Further good news has come today that Private H Wood, West Yorks, (husband of Ada Wood, 10 Baden Street), who was reported by the War Office missing, then killed, is a prisoner in Germany. The chaplain also had written to say he was killed. The wife went into deep mourning, and was so attired when she called today (Tuesday) to give me the joyful tidings of her husband being alive but a prisoner.

Farrier John Stott, ASC, husband of Mrs Elaine Stott, 38 Birch Grove, has died in hospital prior to going out. He was two years on the staff at London. The cause of death was tubercular of lung through being kicked by a horse or mule. He died 12th June and leaves four children. Any details I shall welcome from boys who know.

Rifleman S P Potts, brother-in-law of Stott, was killed 17th February. His friends want to hear details. Will you boys try to learn something?

W H Breare.