Harrogate Herald - 17th October 1917

W H Breare letter

I had a visit last week from Private J Metcalfe, 729th Labour Company, of 7 Coronation Road, Oatlands Mount. He was on special leave owing to the following circumstance : His son, Private Clifford Metcalfe, had been wounded in the leg, which has had to be amputated above the calf. He is now in No. 2 War Hospital, Birmingham. My visitor has been doing useful work that has not been free from danger. His lot have been following up, on the line of communications, each advance. During the whole two years he has been out he has not seen a Harrogate chap. When he first went out his opening six months provided him with very hard work, but the labour force is so large now that it is less strenuous. It is just about twelve months ago since Metcalfe was on leave before and came to see me. He is now looking well and left me to call upon Mrs Oliver Barber to thank her for the excellent socks she had sent him.