Harrogate Herald - 3rd March 1915
W H Breare letter
Since I adopted you boys, I have felt that I have a
large family at the Front and on the seas. Shortly, I expect to add
one to the number. My fourth son, Lynn Breare, received the intimation on
Friday that he had been granted a Second Lieutenant's commission in
the 1/7th West Riding Duke of Wellington's Regiment. In April last
he took over the Abbey Farm, Knaresborough. It was not very
convenient to leave it, but as he is the only one of four sons fit
for service, except the eldest, he felt it his duty to go. He has
put a bailiff in to manage the farm, and is "ready for
off". The eldest has been anxious to enlist, but I could not
concur for the ample reason that the living of many workpeople over
military age depends largely on his presence in our business. We
cannot well shut down the newspapers and throw men, women, boy and
girl printers out of employment. Through enlistments from our works
we are already understaffed and overworked. In the case of the
farmer I could not object, though it means pecuniary sacrifice.
However, the State has the right to all we have and all we can do
– anything to ensure the existence and freedom of the British
Empire and to save our women and children from the German peril.
Harrogate Herald - 8th December 1915
W H Breare letter
We had a letter from my son from the Front on
Sunday, where he told us that he has spent a very pleasant evening
with Chippindale, Snowden, and another boy I could not localise. I
presume it was Clem Chippindale. They are all right and in the best
of spirits.
Harrogate Herald - 29th December 1915
W H Breare letter
We have also had a visit lately from Lance Corporal
Knowlson, whose father is managing the Abbey Farm, Knaresborough,
for my son, who is at the Front. I never saw such improvement in a
young man before. He is in fine condition, and has developed
wonderfully in every respect. Before the war he worked at Johnson's
Garage.
Harrogate Herald - 7th March 1917
W H Breare letter
I am always glad to note cases where the military
authorities have shown very human and practical consideration for
soldiers. When my son left his farm in the charge of a manager and
accepted a commission, he could not have imagined anything else
than, if spared he would return to the peaceful, healthy pursuits of
his farm. In his absence the farm was sold with other Slingsby
property, and re-sold in bits by the purchasers. His stock,
everything, has thus to be sold. To overcome the intricacies of the
situation would need time and attention. Well, the authorities
considerately granted him a month's leave to settle his affairs, and
the sale by auction of stock, etc., is to be conducted by Mr
Thornton, of Thorton and Linley, auctioneers, Knaresborough, on
Friday, the 23rd of this month. You remember the orchard opposite
the homestead of Abbey Farm, just next to the Knaresborough rifle
range, where you Knaresborough boys have spent many a sunny hour.
Well, my wife and family had quite an affection for the orchard, and
so I bought it by private treaty subsequent to the sale. You may
wonder why we did not buy the farm. Well, simply because it was not
big enough. A very good reason for a man with ambition, isn't it?
Harrogate Herald - 14th March 1917
W H Breare letter
Second Lieutenant Lynn Breare, who is home on leave
to attend to the sale of his farm stock and settle his affairs, is
confined to bed with German measles. We was about as late as Monday.
Harrogate Herald - 28th March 1917
W H Breare letter
You boys who are connected with farming will be
interested to know something about the sale of stock, etc., at Abbey
Farm, Knaresborough. It was a beautiful day, and there was a very
large attendance, quite equal to purchasing much more than was
offered. There was what is termed a very "good sale". One
of the features was that the implements generally brought higher
prices than when new; but, of course, everything in this way is
scarce and dear now, which accounts for it. An excellent young cart
mare in foal fetched £90 all but 3d. the younger beasts and calves
realised extraordinary prices. The milking stock brought much more
than could be obtained in peace times. Rhode Island Reds, pullets,
fetched as much as 7s 11d each. One pedigree sow of the white
Yorkshire breed realised just over £20; another £20. I think these
are all the main features that will be interesting to you. The sale
emphasised the dearness of things.
Harrogate Herald - 13th June 1917
W H Breare letter
I was at a loss at first to identify Mawson; but,
strange to say, a letter from my son who is at the Front, reminded
me that he was J Mawson, years ago one of the farm boys of Mr
Whitley, Darley - in fact, at the time when my son was studying
farming there. Remarkable how promptly and curiously information for
you boys turns up, isn't it?
Harrogate Herald - 27th June 1917
W H Breare letter
I told you all about the "Concorde for the
Front" movement. Well, I had a letter from my son the other
day, in which he said he had been to one of these to hear Charles
Tree and John Harrison. Afterwards he spent some time with them.
They asked him to remember them kindly to the Breares at home.
Harrogate Herald - 3rd October 1917
W H Breare letter
My son, 2Lt L D Breare, finished his leave, and left
Harrogate last Wednesday night for France.
Harrogate Herald - 10th October 1917
W H Breare letter
I am conceited enough to think that you boys will be
pleased to hear that my third son, L D Breare, after 2.5 years'
service, has been promoted from second lieutenant to full
lieutenant.
Harrogate Herald - 24th October 1917
W H Breare letter
I hope you boys that were in the last push managed
to get your rations. I am sorry to hear that in some cases
transports were unable to get through, at least promptly. My son's
battalion was in the push, and being transport officer he had great
difficulty in getting his stuff up. They succeeded by means of pack
horses, and were often up to the waist.
Harrogate Herald - 26th December 1917
Military Honours
The London Gazette in the list of military honours
this week includes the following names : Lieutenant Lynn Dineley
Breare, West Riding Regiment, has been mentioned in despatches for
conspicuous conduct. He has been in the Army about three years, the
greater part of which has been spent on active service in France,
and had been once wounded. He is the younger son of Mr W H
Breare,
Editor of the Harrogate Herald, and Mrs Breare.
W H Breare letter
On Friday, one of our printers sent me word that my
son Lieutenant L D Breare, had been mentioned in despatches. I
subsequently saw this on announcement in the paper. He is mentioned
there as a Second Lieutenant, but he has now received his second
star, and is therefore full Lieutenant. I am glad to think that his
work has been so solid and consistent as to receive this honour. Up
to now I have hesitated to give his portrait in the Herald, but am
beginning to feel that you will be interested to see what he looks
like, so I think you may look out for it.
Harrogate Herald - 29th January 1919
W H Breare letter
Lieutenant Lynn D Breare is home on 14 days' leave.
