Harrogate Herald - 25th April 1917

Bugler W H Kirk writes from Egypt : 

Your paper of March 7th, which I received on March 25th, brought me sad news of the death of my old friend Frank Learoyd, of Staveley, and my sympathy is with his wife and family. I can quite understand you being surprised at Frank joining up, for as you say he was over military age. Like myself and a good many more. he answered the call from the National Reserve Club, for they all had a soldier's spirit and wanted to be at it, and I feel sure if I have the luck to get home I shall miss many a smiling face like Frank's, for he was always cheerful. We enlisted together, and then lost one another for some months, than I saw him again at York. How he wished I was with his old crowd, or mob as a soldier calls his regiment. I see you mention about a shortage of paper, and I wish to tell you that you can discontinue sending me one, as I know you send Bandsman Thompson one every week, and I can always have it passed on to me, for I think it is our duty to save you as much as we can, for you have been kindness itself to us boys. WE are all envious to see the dear old Harrogate paper, but we shall never mind if we have to wait a day or two longer. It is generally three weeks old when I get it, and if it is three weeks and two days in future I shall not grumble, for it is better late than never. I saw in your letter you asked boys to speak first for several little things you have. I am going to speak, but I shall nor be first, I know, as my letter will take much longer to reach you than one from France. If you have a safety razor on your hands and you could send it this way I should be delighted with it, as I have got tired of cutting bits off my face with an ordinary razor. Trusting you are in the best of health.