Harrogate Herald - 1st December 1915

Harrogate artilleryman's death.

"Devoted and faithful soldier"

Driver George R Jeff, Royal Field Artillery, second son of Mr and Mrs John Jeff, of Beckwith Cottages, Beckwith, Harrogate, is one of the latest of our local heroes to fall in the defence of his King and country, being wounded on the 17th inst., and dying on the 18th. He enlisted in the last week in September, 1914, and sailed for the Front on the last day of August this year. The following letter from his officer details the sad circumstances :

107 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery

23rd November 1915

Dear Sir, I am very sorry indeed to have to inform you of the death of your son George, who was my groom. He was hit by a chance shell while taking the horses to a safe place, and though everything was done for him he died in hospital the following day, the 18th. Unfortunately, I could not be with him, as the brigade was in action, and I could not leave my post; but he had every medical comfort and a Christian burial. I'm afraid this will be a dreadful shock to you, but at any rate he died doing his duty and serving his King and country. His loss is very sad to me, as during the whole time we have been out here he had been a most devoted and faithful soldier - never flinching from his duty and never grumbling. During the battle of Loos he was with me all the time, and as brave as a man could be. All his comrades in the headquarter staff join me in sending you their very deepest sympathy in your sad loss.

Yours sincerely, Gilbert Frankland, Lieutenant and Adjutant,

107 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery.