Harrogate Herald – 17th November 1915

The following write : "I am quite well. I have received the papers (Harrogate Heralds). letter follows at first opportunity, or express thanks for the Harrogate Herald" :

Lance Corporal A E Garnett

Harrogate Herald - 3rd January 1917

Expressing his thanks to Mr W H Breare for the Herald, Driver E Burnett says : 

It is a treat to read about Harrogate and the doings of the Harrogate lads on the different fronts. I was very sorry to see that Alfred Garnett was missing. He was a big pal of mine in civil life, and I hope news will come through that he is all right. We are right up amongst the hills here, and the scenery is lovely, but of course nothing to come up to Harrogate. Well, I think that is all this time, hoping you are all in the best of health, as this leaves me.

Harrogate Herald - 14th February 1917

W H Breare letter

A large number of non-commissioned officers are coming from the Front on a month's leave preparatory to entering Officers' Training Corps, and receiving a commission. A number of Harrogate boys have this prospect in view. I mentioned one last week. I have another, viz., Corporal A E Garnett. He went out in March, 1915, was wounded in an advance, and reported missing, but at that time he was already in hospital. Garnett has seen Reff Laycock, who is at Brigade Headquarters using his pen to some effect. Captain Freeman, of Bilton Court, [Son of ? Walter Freeman, JP, Bilton Court, Wetherby Lane] went out at the same time as Corporal Garnett. My visitor before the war was manager for the West Riding Dairy Company in Station Parade. Tom Spencer of Spencer Brothers, fruiterers, Cambridge Street, was one of Garnett's comrades, and my visitor left his Herald with Spencer when he came away. Garnett will not need one for some time, so I am going to send it to Tom Spencer as soon as I obtain his full address. I am sure Spencer will think it much better to have a Herald all his own and directed to him rather than to inherit the one which has come in Garnett's name.

Harrogate Herald - 10th October 1917

Roll of Honour

Second Lieutenant A E Garnett (York and Lancs), brother of Mr E Garnett, Lion Cottages, Harrogate, was killed in action on Saturday, September 29th. Before going up in September, 1914, he was local manager of the West Riding Dairy. In October of last year he was wounded and missing. He got scattered with others from his battalion, but rejoined his unit. He was afterwards recommended for a commission, and came over this year, and was granted a commission in the York and Lancs. He was 27 years of age, and possessed fine business and personal qualities, and was much respected. He won his position in the company through successive promotions, for he began with the firm as a boy.

W H Breare letter

It seems but yesterday since A E Garnett, who now has been made a second-lieutenant, sat chatting to me in my room. He was of the Yorks and Lancs, and brother of Mr E Garnett, of Lion Cottages, Harrogate. I remarked than, in my mind, what a fine sample of a British soldier he looked - modest, yet alert, and with a kindly smile that denoted warmth of heart. Last Wednesday his brother came to tell me that he had been killed in action the Saturday before, namely, September 29th. Before going up - and he went early (actually in September 1914) - he was local manager of the West Riding Dairy Company. In October of last year Garnett was wounded and missing, but got back to his battalion. Not long after he was recommended for a commission, and came over this year. He was sent to the York and Lancs. Possessed of fine business instincts and high personal qualities, he was much respected by everyone with whom he had business or friendly relations. He won his position in the I have mentioned through successive promotions, for he began with the firm as a boy delivering milk. We are giving his portrait in the Herald so you will be able to call him to mind.

Harrogate Herald - 16th January 1918

H Gill says : 

I have had the Herald sent out here regularly from home, and came across a letter from W A Ballance, a school chum of mine, inquiring for my address. I had written him, as he remarks, without giving any address, as I knew he had it. I should feel pleased if, through the medium of your paper or by means most convenient to yourself, you would inform him that I have been in the 2nd Canadian General Hospital since the 10th December with a somewhat severe illness contracted whilst up the line, and I am now in a convalescent camp preparatory to rejoining my company. During the last six or seven months I have seen a good bit of France and Belgium, and met a good few local lads on different parts of the line, notably the good old Beechwood party. Laurie Heap was in the same division as myself, and being old friends we had many pleasant hours together, but unfortunately he was wounded and badly burnt by a gas shell when we went into a very hot stunt just over three months ago. During the last attack we were in I also came across a brother of the late Lieutenant Garnett, and managed to exchange a few words with him. It may be of interest to old friends of Sergeant C D Longfield, whose father, I believe, was formerly stationmaster at Starbeck, to know he has been in this company since February last - he was Corporal until last October. We often talk about mutual acquaintances Greetham and "Toby" Hodgson and Jesse Coleman and I thought they might like to know his whereabouts. He is a cousin to the Makins, of Elmwood Street, one of whom won the DCM and was afterwards killed. I had hoped to go to hear Miss Lena Ashwell's Concert Party when I came out of the line, but was prevented by my illness. I was anxious to see Mr Gordon Williams, as I often used to take part in his concert work several years ago. We have had a glorious Christmas in hospital, and I assure you I shall go back to the boys feeling considerably "bucked" thereby. Please accept my very best wishes for the New Year.

Harrogate Herald - 29th September 1920

In affectionate remembrance of our dear brother, Alfred Garnett, Second Lieutenant, York and Lancs Regiment, killed in action September 29th, 1917 – From his sisters and brother, Corrie Garnett, Mary Garnett and Billy Garnett.