Harrogate Herald - 18th July 1917

W H Breare letter

The other day I was told that someone desired to see me in my office. I went down and found a smart young officer whose face was very familiar. It was Second Lieutenant A R Thompson, son of Mr George Thompson, of Victoria Hall, James Street. Reginald has been in an officers' training school since the 1st of January. I was sorry to hear from him that his brother, George Thompson, who had been eight months in bed, on his back, is only making very slow progress so far as the wound in his leg is concerned. The calf of his leg was carried away, and the surgeons are spending much skill and time in trying to save that limb. We hope they'll succeed, don't we? I think Lieutenant Reginald is hoping to become attached to the Flying Corps. It really is astonishing how these single young men all seem so keen on this service. From what I have heard, however, flying is very exhilarating, so much so that nothing in their minds can be compared to it. As for myself I prefer mother earth; but it shows bravery and spirit on the part of our boys when they yearn thus for a chance to fly.