Harrogate Herald - 19th September 1917

W H Breare letter

I interrupted my dinner that day so that I shouldn't turn away three soldiers from the Front on leave who had called to see me. It was a merry trio I conducted to my office, in order to make a few notes. First was driver Tom Coleman, RFA, son of Mr & Mrs Martin Coleman, who had been 18 months out. I always enquire what Harrogate and district lads they have in their crowd, because I know you like to read of men you know or have heard of. The only man that Coleman had with him was Hirst. This was some little time ago, and he is not with him now. I think you will recognise Hirst when I mention that he is known as "Chippies". Coleman has gone through all right so far without a wound or sickness. His last brush was at Arras, Oppy Wood. His lot when he came away were out for a rest. Before the war Coleman was a fishmonger with Arnott, of Commercial Street. With Coleman was his brother, Driver Martin Coleman of the RFA, who has not yet gone out but is up Catterick way. This lad seemed to enjoy the prospect of going out to meet you chaps.