Harrogate Herald - 25th April 1917

The following are men who have sent us the Army post-card briefly stating that they are well and have received papers and parcels, or whose letters contain views that have repeatedly been expressed by other correspondents, but show their friends that they are all right :

W Parkinson

Harrogate Herald - 2nd May 1917

Letters

Private W Parkinson says : 

Just a few lines to thank you for your continued kindness in sending me the Herald, which never fails to come safely. We have been up the line again, but at the time of writing I am glad to say that we are in rest billets - ruined houses. I am glad to say the weather has improved a lot these past few days, which makes things much better for all concerned. I should be glad if you could send me an old pack of cards if you have any, for me and the lads, as we could have a game or two at nights, which I have not had the pleasure of having since I left England. I hope the weather is better with you, and that you had a better Easter than I had, which I spent in the trenches in very bad weather; but I have pulled through merry and bright again. In conclusion, I hope you will grant my request, and that you are keeping in the best of health.

Harrogate Herald - 9th May 1917

Wednesday Gossip

I have despatched this week three golf clubs and one dozen ball to Driver W Smithson; safety razor to Trooper A Lawrence; playing cards to Pte W Parkinson; a parcel of woollen comforts to Gunner J Schofield; safety razor to Bugler W H Kirk.

Harrogate Herald - 30th May 1917

Photo Page

Wounded - Private Walter Parkinson, WY, son of Mrs Parkinson, 13 Pearl Street, The Avenue, Starbeck, has been wounded.

Harrogate Herald - 17th October 1917

W H Breare letter

When I sent some playing cards to Private W Parkinson, of the 2-5th, who was in hospital at Keighley wounded, I hardly expected to see him very soon, but I am glad to say that he looked in on me on Monday morning, having been discharged, otherwise granted sick leave, at the conclusion of which he will report to his depot. Parkinson was wounded on the 3rd of May - a memorable day for the boys of the 2-5th - in the left leg and foot. He lay out two days and found himself in hospital May 5th, where he has been until last Thursday. He is the son of Mrs John Parkinson, 13 Pearl Street, Starbeck. A bullet went through his helmet and, as he puts it, he was then "within two inches of death". Private Samuel Abbott, of Oatlands, was missing at the same time and Sergeant Wharton taken prisoner. There was talk of amputating the leg, but happily that has not been necessary, though it is still troublesome. He does not look as if you will see him out where you are very soon, if at all. You may be sure, boys, that there is someone in Harrogate pleased to see Parkinson home and that is his mother, who has borne his illness so long and patiently. he is her only son and child. Just those two! May good fortune attend them both henceforth.