Harrogate Herald - 31st October 1917
W H Breare letter
With Sergeant Fletcher were two other boys, Private
Draper, son of Mr G Draper, of Nydd Vale Terrace, who
brought me the sad news of his brother's death in France. Draper
is still in training in this country.
Roll of Honour
News has been received by Mr & Mrs Draper,
of 20 Nydd Vale Terrace, Harrogate, that their son, Private
Arthur Draper, West Yorks, was killed in action on October 11th.
A letter received from their son Sydney, of the RFA, announced the
sad event. Private Draper joined up at the commencement of the war,
going out to France in April, 1915, with the 1/5th West Yorks. He
was a member of the Harrogate Wednesday football team, plying
half-back for them. His parents received a letter from his officer,
in which he says : "Sympathy at a time like this is a very poor
thing, but I offer you my greatest sympathy in your great trial,
also that of all his comrades in the observers' section, where he
was exceedingly popular. he was a very good boy and was one of my
mainstays. I shall miss him more than I can say. It will be some
consolation to you to know that he was killed instantly and suffered
no pain". His younger brother, Bert, of the Yorkshire Hussars,
was wounded last October, and he also has two other brothers serving
in France.
Harrogate Herald - 17th November 1915
W H Breare letter
You will be sorry to hear that Private H Rhodes,
1/5th West Yorks was wounded in the right shoulder on the 4th
November. He is now at the 1st Canadian Hospital. I am pleased to
say, however, that he is progressing favourably. His friends
received the official intimation on Sunday morning. His parents, Mr
and Mrs Charles Rhodes, write me as follows : "Will you allow
me to thank you for the kind letter you sent to Arthur Draper and
Harry (through your paper) in regard to their late, dear friend
(Percy Smith). You will pleased to know that Harry wrote to Mr Smith
previous to being wounded. This is the second time he has been
wounded. Again thanking you, Yours truly, C Henry and B Rhodes"
Harrogate Herald – 13th October 1920
In loving memory of Arthur Draper, 1/6th West Yorks,
killed at Passchendaele, October 11th, 1917 – From father, mother,
brothers and sister.
