Harrogate Herald - 3rd January 1917
W H Breare letter
I think you boys would be pleased to know something
of the feelings of the chaps who come home on leave. I was glad of
one feature. I had Driver Schollitt, of Montpelier Square, in from
the Front. He is on the MT. You know that is the last lot up to the
firing line, or as near as the boys say, as a "toucher".
He confided to me that though he was delighted to get home to his
wife and children he was torn between two sentiments. He was sorry
not to be with his pals at the Front at Xmas time. But then, of
course, the wife and the children have the first claim and naturally
his satisfaction at being home was immense. He arrived Xmas morning.
Before the war Schollitt drove a cab and his stand was in Cold Bath
Road. From this you may identify him. He looks exceedingly well, and
deep within him is a big lump of satisfaction that he is able to do
his bit. He has never had a day's illness and is better than he has
been in his life. Schollitt confided to me that the people out where
he has been, even in the villages that are very near the scenes of
operations, seem to be a deal more cheerful than our folks at home.
Schollitt met Tom Brown, son of Anthony Brown, of Harlow Terrace,
and George H Beer is in his company. Schollitt was the first
soldier to introduce me to the importance of hair clippers. I sent
him out a pair a long time ago. His present clippers need repairs
and they will take some time, so I am going to ask one of my readers
to supply another pair of the No 3 size. I am glad my friend called
to see me, because he has thrown a clearer light on that wonderful
thing - comradeship. We hardly know what the real thing is at home.
It manifests itself completely only in moments of danger and
hardship. No wonder you chaps look so well and happy, and I realise
more than ever that it is mainly due to spirit of comradeship that
you are just what you are - men in the most bravest and generous
sense. Whilst Schollitt was in, amongst the callers I received was
Mrs McNichol. She has three boys at the Front. She is one of the
real brave, motherly sort, full of just pride in her lads. They are
all right, I am glad to say, so far, and I hope they will come back
safe to her covered with well-won honours.
Harrogate Herald - 30th May 1917
Pioneer H Daniel says :
I have received the safety razor in good condition,
and written Mrs Murray to thank her for it. I got your letter and Driver
G Beer's address, and wrote him tonight. There are two Harrogate
men billeted next camp to us - Sapper J Smith and Patsy Donovan, but
I hard that Donovan has gone done to the base with a fractured arm.
Thanking
you again for what you have done for me, and wishing you and the
Herald every success.