Harrogate Herald - 15th December 1915

Trooper A Crowther, of the 3rd Canadian Mounted Rifles, writes : 

Just a line or two to thank you for the insertion of my photograph. The Herald must reach all corners of the globe, and I hope some of my old school friends and other Harrogate boys will see it and look me up if they ever get in touch with the Canadian troops over here. Through your paper I have been able to locate several old friends and also seen photographs of friends I have lost track of and are now fighting with troops at the other side of the world. We came out of the trenches two days ago after a pretty warm time. We were in the front line during quite a heavy artillery bombardment, and suffered rather heavily. I have lost several good friends, and although it is all in the game, one hates to see them go. We are now in reserve go into the front line again in a few days. We are all feeling very fit in spite of the wet and mud. It seems to do nothing but rain these days, and the mud is knee deep. Well, let it come. We are prepared for it, although it is decidedly unpleasant at times. I am glad to read how the Harrogate people are giving the wounded soldiers such a good time. Things are quiet today along this line. Our artillery is sending a few shells over and "Fritz" is dropping one or two on a road about fifty yards away. You may depend on it that whenever anything starts, Fritz actually gets the worst of it. Since being over here we have been in quarters that would be turned down by any self-respecting hobo, or, should I say, tramp. Tents, huts, dugouts, house and barns all come alike to us, and you would be surprised how comfortable we make ourselves. We have a violin, mandoline, and mouthorgan in our Troop, and as we are tuning up for a musical evening I think I had better close for this time. PS - A bunch of cheery Canadians sitting round me wish to be remembered to all at home. They always butt in like that whenever I start to write, but this time I guess they will get left and have no idea where this epistle will end up. By the way, on behalf of our happy little bunch, I want to wish all you folks at home a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Harrogate Herald - 15th December 1915

To Receive the Herald

Trooper A Crowther, 3rd Canadian Mounted Rifles, 2nd Canadian Division, BEF, France

Harrogate Herald - 25th April 1917

W H Breare letter

I have not seen Corporal A Crowther since June last until Monday morning, when he came in to see me, on leave. You will remember, perhaps, he belongs to the Canadian Contingent, and went out to Canada seven years ago. He is the son of Mr J W Crowther, Ribston, and has been 19 months in France. It is fortunate that he is enabled to stop in England for three months, on some special service. Thus far he has got through without sickness or wound. Joined the Army in December, 1914. he has not met a single Harrogate lad at the Front where he has been.

Harrogate Herald - 16th January 1918

Photo Page

Commission - Lieutenant A Crowther, Canadians, son of Mr and Mrs J W Crowther, of Ribston, has been granted a commission.