Harrogate Herald - 18th April 1917
Letters
Trooper E W Capstick writes :
It is over six months since I left Blighty, and I am
now quite hardened to active service. Not that we have had it rough
by any means; in fact, under the circumstances we have been
comfortably situated. Being at the base remount depot is one better
than up the line. We are having a delightful spell of weather just
now, positively glorious. A new YMCA marquee has opened in the
vicinity of our camp; it is most beneficial both from the recreation
and spiritual point of view.
Harrogate Herald - 30th May 1917
Letters
Gunner R Ramsden, writing from Salonica, says
:
I could not write and thank you before, as I have
been laid up with fever, and am at present on a hospital ship
getting a little sea air just to get me up again. I had a letter
from Private Capstick, whom you gave my address to a few
weeks ago, and I hope to be able to see him when I go to the
convalescent camp.
Harrogate Heradl - 1st August 1917
W H Breare letter
I have heard a good deal about Telegraphist J A
Capstick, who is in the Navy, through his father. I am happy to
say the lad called in to see me the other day, whilst he was on
thirteen days leave. Amongst other things he told me was that Petty
Officer Dobson is a gun layer in his lot, and that he, Capstick,
has been on board ship for two years uninterruptedly. He is the son
of Mr & Mrs Edward Capstick, of 16 Glebe Road, Harrogate.
He has a brother (Edward Capstick, the third son), who is in
Salonica, and his eldest brother Ernest Capstick is in the
REs. Capstick was as breezy and jolly as the rest of our
tars, and I had a pleasant time with him.
Harrogate Herald - 17th October 1917
W H Breare letter
Mr & Mrs E Capstick, of 16 Glebe Road,
have recently had an anxious three weeks. Their son, Private Ted
Capstick, of the Yorkshire Hussars, attached to the Derbyshire
Yeomanry, is out Salonica way. One day they received a telegram from
the Front saying that their boy was dangerously ill with malaria.
After an interval of a week a second intimation came saying that Capstick
was still dangerously ill. Another week's delay brought a further
intimation that he was still dangerously ill. Then came the joyful
message that he was out of danger. The latter was worth waiting for,
was it not?
Harrogate Herald - 30th January 1918
Letters
E W Capstick, writing under date December
31st, 1917, says :
Just a few more lines to tell you a little of my
progress. To use the Army expression I am still in "dock".
Pleased to say I am gradually picking up, but I am not near so
strong as I was previous to my illness. Christmas is now nicely
over, and it is now practically the eve of New Year. In regard to
Christmas I sincerely trust that you have had an immensely enjoyable
time. I know I have spent a top-hole Christmas. We received every
comfort possible. The dinner and tea on Christmas Day were
absolutely ripping - a scrumptious repast I shall never forget in my
Army career. Boxing Day was awful cold in contrast to the previous
day. In the afternoon the hospital authorities kindly privileged
quite a large number of us to witness a football match between teams
representing the Army and Navy. Lots of the one-time professional
footballers of good old Blighty days were playing, so you can pretty
well imagine what an absolutely glorious match it was. During the
interval Corporal Applegarth, the world's champion runner,
gave a clever exhibition of hundred yards flat racing. Several
officers of high rank, both of the Army and Navy, and lots of ladies
were also in evidence. We have had heaps of concerts in the
hospital; talented artistes were numerous. PS - I have not received
one of your papers since July. [Will Capstick's friends let
us have his latest address - Ed]
Harrogate Herald - 30th January 1918
Letters
E W Capstick says :
I am improving as well as can be expected. I am
still in hospital, and likely to be over Christmas, which will not
be at all bad. I am sure it will be a contrast to the Christmas I
spent last year up the line - bully beef and biscuits for dinner. We
get our Christmas pudding and turkey, etc., somewhere about the New
Year. Better late than never. I wish you the happiest of time this
year, and of course every good wish for the welfare of your paper
during the coming year. We are making the wards looks as cheery as
possible by decorating, etc. it was with deep regret that I heard of
young Byers being killed in action, I am sure the loss to his people
must be irreparable. I am awfully sorry, for he was quite a chum of
mine in civilian life.
Harrogate Herald - 27th February 1918
E W Capstick says :
You will be surprised to hear that I am still
experiencing hospital life and only progressing moderately. Some
fellows would be frightfully bored having such a long period. There
is certainly definite improvement in my general health. I am looking
well and feel heaps stronger, although I have far from regained my
former strength. My case does not seem to yield to any treatment; so
you see my only trouble now is the incessant irritation of my
complaint. I witnessed a rather amusing thing the other day. One of
our Italian soldiers was in difficulties with a goat. The little
beast refused to be led, so the only alternative was to let it walk
between his legs. When it broke into a somewhat faster step, it was
very comical. The last few days I have been greatly troubled with my
teeth, giving me excruciating pain. I thought it advisable to see
the dentist, so I visited him this morning. He extracted six, and I
feel in a somewhat despondent mood at present. Until this morning I
had no conception it was so easy to have them drawn. I had awful
horrors of the ordeal facing me. Now that is over I feel exceedingly
thankful. This is a ripping hospital, situated amidst ideal
surroundings, certainly more congenial than up the line.
Harrogate Herald – 29th January 1919
Trooper E W Capstick writes :
I am amazed at the courtesy and kindness of the people whom I am
billeted with. A topping feather bed makes it quite reciprocal to
home life. Shall greatly look forward to your paper coming up here.
