Harrogate Herald - 2nd January 1918

W H Breare letter

I asked last week for the names of soldiers at present alive who were at Mons. The first one I received was Private Percy Bentley, 6692, Headquarters, 2nd Dragoon Guards, BEF, France. He is the son of Mr and Mrs Bentley, 56 Otley Road. Now, boys, I want to get the name of every living district soldier who was at Mons, so if you get a chance then let me know of any? I have also received the name of Private Richard Baxter, son of Mr and Mrs Baxter, of Knox, Bilton. He was the first Harrogate winner of the Military Medal.

Later in same letter

I have had reported to me another case of a missing soldier, of whom I should be glad of particulars. Private E Baxter (203004), the second son of Mr and Mrs Baxter, of Knox, Bilton, was reported missing by the War Office on the 22nd August, and later that he was wounded and probably a prisoner. He belongs to the Royal Warwicks, and before enlisting was footman to Colonel Wilkinson, Ashfurlong, Warwickshire. His parents would be glad of news from any of his comrades. His eldest brother, Bombardier William Baxter, RFA, is in a training school in France, and another brother, Private Richard Baxter, is one of the Mons heroes, and was the first winner of the Military Medal in Harrogate. He is in 2nd Dragoon Guards (Royal Scots Brigade).

Harrogate Herald - 26th March 1958

The Rev H D Pearson conducted a cremation service at Stonefall yesterday for Mr Richard Baxter, of 182 Skipton Road, Harrogate, who died on Friday.

Mr Baxter, who was 64, was born in Bilton and was educated at St John's Endowed School, Bolton. He joined the Regular Army in 1914, and served with the Royal Scots Greys at Mons. Later in the war he was awarded the Military Medal and Oak Leaves. Wounded twice, he returned to the Front on both occasions.

Rejoining the Army for the 1939-45 war, he was mentioned in despatches for work in Iceland, and landed in France on D-plus-four day, receiving injuries to a foot, which was later amputated.

Mr Baxter, who leaves a widow, two sons and a daughter, was a member of Bilton Working Men's Club and the RAOB.