Harrogate Herald - 30th May 1917
Letters
Private J A Scott writes :
Just a few lines to thank
you for your kindness in sending me the lovely mouth organ, which I
was very glad to receive; and will you kindly thank Mr or Mrs
Robinson, of Knaresborough, for their kindness in giving it? Tell
them I was delighted to have it, for it will pass many a dull hour
away, and after a hard day's work it is delightful to have a bit of
music. I only know one Harrogate lad. It is Arthur Tattersdill, late
of the fish shop in Skipton Street. [Fried fish dealer, 44 Skipton
Street] We met at York, and we have been together ever since. We
have been at several places in France, and at present are working
together on a big railway dump. It is extremely hot here, and we get
some heavy work at times. The blossom on the hedges and fruit trees
is lovely. I notice particularly the absence of birds here, but the
heavy guns are often roaring away, so I think that is the reason
they have left. I have been at a few places in France, but have not
seen anything to come up to the good old town yet.
Harrogate Herald - 27th June 1917
W H Breare letter
Just imagine how you would feel if you suddenly
found yourself in Harrogate on leave for the first time in two years
and three months. This is the happy situation of Private J Oldfield,
RAMC, who called to see me on Friday morning. He is the son of Mr
and Mrs John Oldfield, of Skipton, and at one time worked for
Robinson's, grocers, then for Standing's Ltd., from which
establishment he joined up. The reason why he did not get leave
before is that he first went to Suvla Bay, then to Greek Islands,
next Egypt, and finally France. After Thiepval he was transferred to
another division, and had to leave his friends George Eaddie and
Wood, who lived in Parliament Terrace, and Billy Smith, of Union
Street. These boys are all right so far. In his present division
with him is Billy Burkinshaw. On June 7th Oldfield had a touch of
shrapnel on the shoulder. he calls it "a bruise", but is
quite all right, and declares he suffered no inconvenience. You will
remember that his brother Dick was killed a year ago last November.
It is rather singular that Dick should have been sent to the
casualty clearing station to which J Oldfield was transferred and
now in. Oldfield and the Petty boys are great chums - in fact,
before the war they went to camp out at Crimple. Perhaps it was to
get their hands in, though they could have had no idea of the great
affair which was to come later. Perhaps you would like to know who
comprised that party? I van tell you. Dick and John Petty, Jesse
Scott, Maurice Broadhead, Ryan, and Chapman. All, in turn, have been
casualties; but I am glad to say are now alive and well.
Harrogate Herald - 13th March 1918
The following are men who have sent us the Army
post-card thanking Mr W H Breare for the Harrogate Herald, and
briefly stating that they are well and have received papers and
parcels, or those whose letters do not contain anything of special
interest :
Private J A Scott
Harrogate Herald – 24th April 1918
The following have sent postcards thanking for the
Herald and stating they are well :
Private J A Scott
