Harrogate Herald - 22nd December 1915
J W Makin, writing to Mr W H Breare, says :
Dear Sir, I am sending these few lines to thank you
for the Herald, which I receive regularly every week. It brings news
of men who, though only a few miles away, we never see. Our Division
is now in training or in military parlance, "Having a
rest". I thought we had left all the din and noise of battle
behind us, but I was mistaken. There's a regiment firing its course
not far away, but at night all is quiet. No guns to sing us to
sleep. It's a grand change after twelve months in or near the lines.
I desire to take this opportunity of wishing my friends at home a
merry Christmas and a happy New Year - that includes yourself, Mr
Editor. In your Herald of December 1st you ask for suggestions for
what to put in a parcel. Two things that Tommy wants are
English-French dictionary (with pronunciations) and a small electric
pocket lamp. I hope to be in Harrogate on seven days' leave some
time in January. I shall then have the opportunity of thanking you
personally for the Herald. Wishing you every success.
Harrogate Herald - 22nd December 1915
Wednesday Gossip
I have a rather unusual case of a lonely soldier. A
Harrogate soldier, J W Makin, writes me to say that the soldier in
question during the last 14 months has been his comrade and pal, and
proved himself an excellent soldier. He is absolutely alone, and has
no place to go to when he obtains his leave, which he expects to do
shortly. Is there one amongst my readers willing to put him up and
make him welcome during his brief stay in England? If so, I will
furnish the address.
Harrogate Herald - 22nd December 1915
W H Breare letter
J W Makin makes a very good suggestion. He asks good
people at home to send out French-English pronouncing dictionaries
and electric pocket lamps. I can imagine that both these things will
be extremely useful, especially the dictionary. The electric, too,
you boys will find of the utmost value in some of the dark corners
in which you find yourselves. Trooper H Matson wants a gramophone.
This is rather difficult to obtain and to send out. However, I will
try and see if it can be done.
Harrogate Herald - 28th November 1917
W H Breare letter
Then, too, I have had Sapper J W Makin, RE, who has been home on
14 days' leave. He is married and his wife is staying in Leeds.
Makin was apprenticed to Stott and Alcock. He has been three years
in France, kept well, and, as he puts it, "never been
touched". His brother, Arthur Makin, of the Yorks Hussars, is
at Bridlington. He is a shoeing smith by trade, and is in training
at the present time. Sapper Makin is engaged on light railway work.
You know, those things that run up the rations and ammunition to the
firing line. As you are aware, his work is not without danger.
Unfortunately I did not happen to see Makin, but Hornsey was in my
office to receive him, and he got these particulars from him. I am
hoping yet to meet Makin, if not this time, trust I shall do so on a
future occasion, and that before long.
