Harrogate Herald - 29th December 1915

The committee of Knaresborough ladies who organised a Xmas gift fund for sending parcels to local soldiers and sailors with the expeditionary forces and on the high seas have been deeply gratified and richly rewarded with a shoal of appreciative letters received by Miss J M Alexander (hon. secretary) from the boys on service for King and country. We have pleasure in inserting the first batch, and others will be given in subsequent issues :

December 20th - Dear Madam, It is with great pleasure that I acknowledge receipt of parcel from you. Please accept thanks from myself and comrades. I may say it was a very pleasant surprise, and quite a luxury, which we are enjoying in our little dugout. We all wish you and your committee every success in the good work you have undertaken in bringing a little sunshine into our lives (amongst the mud). We are still advancing and making our road back to England, home and beauty, via Berlin. As it is my second time out here I am quite used to the mud by this time. I was in the retreat from Mons. The boot is on the other foot now; it is the Huns who have to retreat. Again thanking you for your kindness, myself and comrades wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. I remain, yours gratefully, Sergeant C Cliff.