Harrogate Herald - 24th November 1915

W H Breare letter

Private Heap's brother has been in to tell me that Heap has received a shrapnel wound and is in the Carmichael Ward of the Princess Christian's Hospital, in the town, I believe, of Reading. He is of the 6th West Yorks, and has been out nine months. I am glad to say that the wound is not very serious, so I trust he will soon be quite right.

Harrogate Herald - 15th December 1915

Private L Heap, writing from Ryme Red Cross Hospital, Weymouth, Dorset, says : 

Just a few lines to thank you for the Herald received at the above address, also for the one received in Flanders. I always looked with interest for the Herald while in the trenches to see the doings of the Harrogate boys in different parts of the world, doing their bit for King and country. I never missed reading "Billy" Langley's, Lieutenant Wilkinson's, and your own letters to the boys on service, which were very interesting indeed. Although I myself am in the 6th West Yorks, I often see numerous pals in the 5th; in fact, our Battalion often relieved them in the trenches, being in the same Brigade. I have had a letter from my pal in the 6th. He says they are waist high in water in places. When I came away we were over the knees, and after the rain of late I can quite believe what he says. But they stick it very well, knowing it's just the same for the Huns, at the other side of "No man's land". I have been in hospital now three weeks in England, and one in France, and I am hoping to home for Christmas. I was very sorry to hear of Charlie White being killed just after returning from home. I saw him a few times on the Yser Canal before he was home on leave, and he said he was very lucky to have got so far through without a scratch. We have had a lot of rain down here lately, but am pleased to say the weather has taken a change for the better. I don't think I have anything further to say, so will close. Again thanking you for the Herald, and wishing you every success in the future.

Harrogate Herald - 7th November 1917

Roll of Honour

Private L Heap, West Yorks, brother of Miss N Heap, 31 Myrtle Square, Harrogate, was wounded in the chest and badly burnt with mustard gas on September 26th. He is now in Charing Cross Hospital, London. He was also wounded in the head on November 9th, 1915.

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 - 16th January 1918

A Wheatley writes : 

I am very pleased to hear Private L Heap is going on nicely, but I am very sorry indeed to hear about F????[Fireman?] C Bearpark. I have been in his company many times when I was in England, and I also know his parents very well; I am sure they will feel the loss. He was a steady ???? good lad, and through your paper you might be good enough to give them my deepest sympathy. I was sorry to hear about Private F Hamilton. I worked at the Post Office at the same time, so, of course, I knew him well. It is very hard to hear of so many of your old chums going under.