Harrogate Herald - 14th February 1917

Roll of Honour

Private E Prest, of the West Yorks Regiment, son of Mr & Mrs Prest, Skipton, who formerly resided at Pateley Bridge, has the misfortune to lose both the lower part of his legs from the knees through being in the trenches fast for five days on November 10th. He has been removed from France to the Military Hospital at Ashton Old Road, Manchester, where his mother and sister have been to see him, and say he looks a little brighter than when they saw him before, but is suffering from dysentery. A letter from his Chaplain in France says : "Dear Mrs Prest, As you know, your son Ernest is in the 2/2 London Casualty Station at the Front. His condition was very serious when he came, and he had to lose both feet. Fortunately, he is now doing very well, and he is almost out of danger. No word in the next few days will mean good news - that he is doing well. He is very cheerful, despite his loss, and asks you not to worry. He is so very thankful to God that his life has been spared that he wishes you not to be so sad but thankful. You will do this, and please your brave boy. He sends his love to father, sister, and yourself.

Yours faithfully,

John M Forbes, Chaplain.