2nd September

Local Safeguards  [ Yet to extract ]

9th September

Harrogate and the War  [ Yet to extract ]

16th September

Harrogate and the War  [ Yet to extract ]

23rd September

Cheer Up!  [ Yet to extract ]

30th September

Billeting in Harrogate

The announcement of the proposed billeting of over 5,000 troops in Harrogate has created a flutter of excitement, if not of anxiety; the latter is caused by wonderment as to whether families are to have soldiers billeted upon them. It is not the Harrogate fails in loyalty or desire to do everything possible for the defense of the country. In all cases the query has arisen: How can we manage? Now, if it were necessary the people of Harrogate would rise to the occasion and submit to any inconvenience. We may say, however, that there is no fear of soldiers being billeted in private houses occupied by families. In the first place the authorities, for the purpose of supervision and discipline, will prefer to have men billeted in messes of not less than 50 each. There have been rumours of taking the Kursaal, the Baths, and all sorts of impossible places. It is not likely, however, that the War Office will interfere with business. There are plenty of suitable buildings which may be conveniently employed, and it would seem only a matter of selection. As the troops are likely to be here for an extended period, the men will be sheltered under roofs instead of canvas, if possible. It is the stabling accommodation for the horses that present some difficulties, but these will be overcome, and that satisfactorily. Our townspeople, we believe, will welcome this great influx of soldiers even if a little inconveniences may arise, though of these there need be no fear. If the town is called upon to make any sacrifice at all it will have the satisfaction of knowing that by cheerfully submitting to it they have found one of the greatly desired means of doing something to help. The force to be billeted in Harrogate is the 2nd West Riding Infantry Brigade, and its units are the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th battalions of the West Riding Regiment, a detachment of the Army Service Corps, and Artillery Section, and the 2nd West Riding Field Ambulance. There are 161 officers, 254 SSgts and Sgts, and 4,618 rank and file. Of riding horses there are 266, draught horses 553, and pack horses 73, the last two named making a total of 626 horses. There are also 206 vehicles, 12 guns, and 8 maxims.