Harrogate Herald – 31st October 1917

W H Breare letter

With Sergeant Fletcher were two other boys, Private Draper, son of Mr G Draper, of Nydd Vale Terrace, who brought me the sad news of his brother's death in France. Draper is still in training in this country. The other visitor was F Allen, of 33 Commercial Street, who was in the King's Royal Rifles. He was wounded in the thigh and received his discharge September 23rd. He still has trouble from his old wound. Allen's brother, Corporal Raymond Allen, who worked at the Baths, has likewise been discharged. Another brother, Private N Allen, in the Canadians, is expecting to get his discharge, for he is incapacitated for military duties. Private Cecil Allen, another brother, is still in France. The last-named boy was fighting in German East Africa, where he was wounded, but on recovery was sent to fight in France. This is a good record of service for one family, isn't it?

Harrogate Herald - 19th December 1917

W H Breare letter

Some of you boys will remember Cecil Allen. I told you about the brothers Allen being in the Army. Cecil had a flourishing hairdressing business at 3 Lowther Arcade, when he enlisted, and so far as he knew gave up all. His mother and sister, however, took over the ladies' hairdressing department, and you will be glad to know that they have carried it on since with great success. The other day someone set going a report that the ladies were going to close the business. Like myself, you will wonder who those people are who set such erroneous statements in circulation, for Mrs and Miss Allen are not by any means retiring from business, they have succeeded too well. I feel a great interest in all our soldiers' families, particularly the Allen's. I recognise that such a report, if it gained credence, might do the business harm, and so I tell you now that there is no truth in the rumour. Your friends at home read the soldiers' letter, therefore I take advantage of it to give this very just and desirable information.