Harrogate Herald - 20th January 1915

Mr J Smith, headmaster of the Knaresborough National School, and Mr Percy Todd, assistant master at the same establishment, signed the form issued by the Parliamentary Recruiting Committee, and having passed the medical test, have enlisted for service in the Royal Army Medical Corps. They have both received the permission of the managers of the school and the West Riding Committee, and are to be commended for their patriotic conduct.

Mr Smith, who was born in Knaresborough, was appointed headmaster of the National School three years ago. Previous to his appointment he was on the supply staff of the West Riding Educational Committee and had charge of several schools in their area. He was also for a few years an assistant master at a Secondary school in Brighton. He has been an energetic member of the cricket club, and has also acted as hon. Secretary of the Knaresborough Conservative Club. He married about three years ago the daughter of Councillor J Barker (vice-chairman of the Knaresborough Urban District Council).

Mr Percy Todd, who is also a native, has been an assistant master for about eight years at the National School, and was only married at Christmas.

Harrogate Herald - 20th January 1915

Photo - Mr J Smith, Headmaster Knaresborough National School, who has enlisted in the Royal Army Medical Corps, and left the borough on Monday.