Harrogate Herald - 14th February 1917

Roll of Honour

Raymond Swift writes us as follows : 

We have just learned with sincere regret of the death in France of Gunner Herbert Sutcliffe, and would like to express in the warmest terms our appreciation of him as a workman. Previous to the Army claiming his services, he was employed by us as a packer, and we were often complimented by customers and the railway companies on the excellence of his packing. He was an untiring and splendid worker, who overcame most difficulties by sheer grit and good humour. His geniality was irrepressible, and the unanimous expressions of genuine regret from the whole of his fellow workmen are eloquent testimony to the fact that in addition to being a good workman he was also a genuine "sport". We have pleasure in sending this tribute to his memory, and shall be obliged if you will give what publicity space will permit to this letter.

Harrogate Herald - 21st February 1917

Roll of Honour

Gunner Herbert Sutcliffe, RGA, whose death we announced in our last issue, was killed by a shell. He joined the Army 1st July, and had only been five weeks in France. His home was at 33 Skipton Street, and prior to enlisting he acted as packer for Raymond Swift, who testifies to his excellent work and character.

 A letter from his commanding officer reads : 

"Dear Mrs Sutcliffe, It is with the greatest sympathy and regret that I have to write to you and tell you the sad news of the death of your husband, Gunner Sutcliffe. His loss to me is a very real one, and when men are together each day facing death a great bond of friendship exists between them. I convey to you from myself, the officers, and all the men our deepest sympathy in your great and terrible sorrow. Your husband's death was instantaneous, and he was buried by the clergymen with all solemnity. If I could help you in any way please let me know. He died as a brave man doing his duty".

Yours very truly, H Laburn, commanding 220th Siege Battalion, RGA

Harrogate Herald - 4th April 1917

W Rowling writes : 

You must forgive me for not acknowledging receipt of the Harrogate Herald, which I have received weekly and have found something worth reading in them. News is scarce out here, but plenty of rumours. Since I last wrote to you I have moved several times and have seen some scenes of terrible fighting - The district of which I am not allowed to disclose. I have seen a few local lads out here. A chap called Sutcliffe, of Skipton Road, in the Royal Garrison Artillery, and a Yates, Royal Army Medical Corps, of King's Road. 

Harrogate Herald - 5th December 1917

W H Breare letter

Gunner Newbould, of 20 Cecil Street, was wounded September 5th, and has been in hospital at Orpington, Kent, and then a VAD hospital, Abbey Lodge, Chislehurst. He called to see me. With him at the Front and in the same battery was Bob Riby, who lives at 13 Pine Street, and is married. Gunner H Sutcliffe, killed last February, was with is lot and the first man in his battery killed.