Harrogate Herald - 16th May 1917

W H Breare letter

Just before leaving Stanley Laycock of RNAS, gave me a call. He is the younger son of the late Mr T and Mrs Laycock, of Harrogate. There was a tinge of sadness in his visit, as he had been brought home by the death of his uncle, who passed away on Sunday morning at 7 o'clock. Stanley's brother, Reff, it will be remembered, was over from France a short while ago, and was unable to get leave again. Stanley is engaged in chasing German submarines, having joined the Navy for four years since the war began, and has nearly finished two years service. He joined up with young Dixon, son of Mr F W Dixon, the ex-Borough Waterworks Engineer. Stanley has the bright and breezy air characteristic of the sailor, and looks remarkably well.

Harrogate Herald - 20th June 1917

W H Breare letter

I have just received private intimation that Stanley Laycock, son of the late Mr Tom Laycock and of Mrs Laycock, East Parade, has been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for bombing a submarine from a naval sea-plane. He is expected home I about three weeks' time on leave, after which I shall be able to tell you how he looks with his ribbon. Modest, as usual, I bet. Stanley is the younger of the two sons. Beneath his surface is a rare resource of mental strength.