Harrogate Herald - 18th April 1917
W H Breare letter
On Friday afternoon I was taking one of my customary
airings in front of our building, when I happened to see some
distance away Mrs Solly. I had not heard from Dr Solly
for some time, and I had been wondering how he was getting on. I was
not near enough to make the enquiry, which I had to postpone. In he
afternoon who should walk in, just when I was telephoning the latest
war news, but Dr Solly. I suppose I should call him Major, as
that is his rank. I was delighted to see him, and we had a most
interesting chat. The day before (April 12th) was his birthday,
likewise anniversary of his wedding day, and just two years since he
went out to the Front. He was home now for a short rest, because he
had had an attack of influenza. I found the Doctor looking very
well, however, and in excellent spirits. His experience at the Front
has been varied. He has been rushed off to all parts, sometimes on a
hospital train, at other times to various bases. I heard from Dr
Solly that Dr Nimmo Watson was occupying a responsible
post out yonder, and kept very busy. He was all right.
Harrogate Herald - 18th April 1917
W H Breare letter
I don't know whether I told you or not that we had a
good view of an aeroplane a few days before. There was quite a wind,
and as we watched the graceful course of the machine we rather
wondered that it could stand so much. It passed our building in the
direction of Birk Crag dead against the wind. Then it made a rapid
turn, and flew towards Knaresborough at a speed I have not seen
equalled. You, and Harrogate people generally, will be interested to
know that the aviator was a son of Dr Solly. I cannot tell
you anything about the machine. It was a splendid sight, and gave us
one of the most interesting demonstrations we have seen in
Harrogate. I was told the aviator either performed looping of the
loop or some other wonderful manoeuvre that made people catch their
breath.
Harrogate Herald - 22nd August 1917
Roll of Honour
We record with deep regret the death of Captain A
S Solly, of the Royal Flying Corps, who met his death in action
[11th August 1917] in France. Two days previous, his brother, also
an officer in France, heard of Captain Solly's whereabouts,
and the brothers met near the lines. Captain Solly was killed
on the British side of the Front, and his brother attended his
funeral. Captain Solly, who had seen much service in France,
was wounded about twelve months ago. He was 23 years old, and was
the son of Major Solly, RAMC (TR), and Mrs Solly, of
Strathlea, Cold Bath Road. A short time ago the brilliant flying of
an airman over Harrogate was the admiration of the spectators below,
and the interest was subsequently increased when it turned out that
the intrepid airman was Captain Solly.
Harrogate Herald - 22nd August 1917
W H Breare letter
It was late last Tuesday that I heard of the death in action of Dr
Solly's son, Captain A S Solly, RFC. Even now I have no
particulars. He was a fine specimen of young, English manhood. We
are all so sorry for his father, mother, and the rest of the family.
The father, Dr Solly, has been out a very long time doing
highly skilful work to save the lives of other people's boys. It
does seem hard, does it not, that he should lose his son of whom he
had so much reason to be proud? The ways of Providence are indeed
inscrutable. I ought to tell you that Dr Solly has worked so
hard and for such a long time (all through the war) he was obliged
to come home for a rest. But there, I need not attempt to indicate
to you how much we owe those good-hearted, skilful Englishmen, our
surgeons and physicians, who are sacrificing everything for the good
of the nation. Boys, let us take off our hats to them in gratitude
and admiration.
