Harrogate Herald - 2nd May 1917

Letters

Private G Hellewell writes : 

Many thanks for the football I received 14 days ago. We were going up to the firing line, so we had to leave it down at the transport lines. We came out of the line yesterday, and we had a good game in the evening with it. I am very sorry I have not had the opportunity to write before, as we have had such a rough time whilst we have been up in the firing line this time. I received the paper while we were there, and I enjoyed reading the news of Harrogate. I see you have a photo of Private Pearson in it. He was wounded the same time as I, and was in the same company. I have seen Private F Robinson, and we are the best of pals. Sorry to say he has been in hospital, but is still going strong. I have passed your paper on to my chums who come from Harrogate, and they sometimes come looking to see if I have got it. I always pass it on to them. The ball was very gladly accepted by the boys, and they were soon kicking it about. We are going to play A Company tomorrow afternoon, and there are four Harrogate chaps playing. The last time we played them we beat them 2-1. Hope we have the same success again. No one can realise the happiness a football gives to the boys, who like the game after they have had a turn in the trenches, as it refreshes them so, and they soon forget they have been there. I cannot thank Mr Ernest W Jackson enough, as he has given so many happy hours to the boys who are helping to bring the war to a speedy and victorious end. Wishing the Harrogate paper the best of luck and also the staff who print for us, and the Editor.