Harrogate Herald - 3rd February 1915

W H Breare letter

Our men at the Front are delighted when they meet someone from this district they know. Fortune varies in this respect. Smith, of Cold Bath Road, has seven Harrogate companions with him in his Regiment, whilst other men have scarcely come across any home acquaintance. In fact, they have no idea where their friends are, and derive their sole information from the Harrogate Herald. For that reason I am going to tell you about a few of them.

Harrogate herald - 2nd May 1917

Letters

B T Smith writes : 

Just a few lines to thank you for the socks which I have received, also the Herald, the first of which came this evening. There are three other Harrogate men are in this company, so will pass the Herald on to them. We had a shifting day yesterday, the fourth since arriving in France. Have only met one Harrogate man so far, Pat Kavanagh from Oatlands, but hope to meet some more before long, as the Australians are having a rest and some of our own regiments have come up to relieve hem. Glad to say the weather is improving. We have had a good share of sunshine these last two days, but a cold wind. We sleep in tents, so the fine, dry weather is what we desire. I think the war will soon be over. Will now conclude, post time. Thanking you very much for your kindness.

Harrogate Herald - 20th March 1918

Breare letter

Later, Private B T Smith, of a Labour Company, son of Mrs George Smith, of Cold Bath Road (the newsagent), called. Out 13 months. His brother Edgar Smith, who is in Malta, was a schoolteacher at Grove Road. Second Lieutenant Umpleby, of Harrogate, is Smith's platoon officer. Formerly the latter was in business in Parliament Street. These two share the Harrogate Herald. James Addlesey [sic - Suspect this Haddlesey], of Harrogate, who died out in France, was with Smith's lot. I believe pneumonia was the cause of his death. There are no Harrogate men with Smith except Lieutenant Umpleby; both have been fit all the time.