Harrogate Herald - 3rd January 1917

W H Breare letter

Another Xmas visitor was Private L Ambler, of the Mechanical Transport, who formerly lived at Knaresborough. he came home on Boxing Day for ten days' leave after being out 18 months. He has two reasons for thankfulness. He is married and he has never had a day's illness. He is son-in-law of Mrs Blackburn, Stonefall Avenue, who, by the way, has sons fighting for their country. Albert Blackburn is in Salonica, after being wounded in France; Harold Blackburn, wounded in France, is now in Egypt; and Norman Blackburn is also in Egypt. The latter was wounded at Neuve Chapelle. Ambler met Cosgrove, who was formerly employed at Wardman's Garage, and "Billy" Bell. These are the only two Harrogate boys he has come across. I was glad to hear from Ambler that you all still look forward with pleasurable anticipation to the arrival of your weekly Herald.

Harrogate Herald - 11th July 1917

W H Breare letter

Rifleman H Blackburn, KRR, got leave on account of illness of his mother, but he was not in time to see her ere she passed away. Blackburn is the fifth son of John Blackburn, 55 Stonefall Avenue, Starbeck. His eldest brother, William William, was with the Canadians, but had rheumatic fever, and was discharged. He may be well enough later to rejoin. The second brother, Albert Blackburn, is in Salonica; the third, Norman Blackburn, in Alexandria; Horace Blackburn, the youngest, is in Ireland. With my caller at the Front is Bob Wardman, Regent Street, who worked at the Co-op, in High Harrogate; Corporal Mount; Ireland, of King's Road; and Suttill, of New Park. Fifteen months since Blackburn was home. He is continually meeting Harrogate boys, though his regiment is a London one. It was formed by the late Earl of Feversham.