Showing 20465 results

Archival description
Y/ADM/4/2/1/106 · Item · 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Lawrence F Hefferman, Stoker 1st Class, wrote from 45 Mess, HMS Cochrane. He states that he and his chums mean to do their share if they 'get the chance, but there is nothing doing yet'. He adds that he hopes the Lord Mayor has seen his photo in the Herald, along with five more chums, 'all natives of York and proud of it too'.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/107 · File · 18 February 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Leading Seaman Albert Joseph Hemenway wrote from HMS Grasshopper, c/o GPO Malta. He states his hope that God will spare them to bring the boxes home shortly so they can show their friends and relations what has made them cheerful. He adds that he started at 14 in the Cake Moulding room, joined the navy at 15¼, and has now served 12 years with 2 years 8 months still to do. His sister forwards the Cocoa Works Magazine and he has seen the Lord Mayor's photos in last month's. He encloses a black embroidered ribbon from the ship as a souvenir.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/111 · Item · 8 March 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Lieutenant Claude M Boys Hinderer of East Africa Pioneers, wrote from P O 80, Nairobi, British East Africa. He states that 'although under different conditions', they are 'doing a little bit out here for King and Country'. He adds that it is 'exceedingly nice' to think that they are not forgotten by the people at home.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/113 · Item · 2 February 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Able Seaman Charles J Holt of Royal Naval Reserve, wrote from HMS Welland. He states that all 'York men will gladly uphold the honour of the old Flag' and he trusts they will gain 'another glorious victory for King and Country'. They were 'grieved to hear the sad news of Scarborough' and the 'glorious victory of Admiral Beatty has gained the greatest admiration of the flotilla'. He ends by saying he hopes to see York again but if he does not they will 'go down with the old Flag flying at the Peak'. The letter includes unrelated notes in a different hand.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/116 · Item · 5 January 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Private James Howden of 1st Company, 4th Battalion Grenadier Guards, wrote from Chelsea Barracks, London S.W. He states that he is sure all York soldiers will appreciate the 'kindly action', and adds he is sending the box home as he doesn't want to get it damaged.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/118 · Item · 15 January 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Arthur Cecil Jackson wrote from 28 Mess, HMS Superb. He states that they have been having a 'most monotonous time since the war started', and have not yet had the 'pleasure of giving the Germans a taste of our 12 inch guns'. He adds that when the meeting comes it will be 'most terrible', but the Lord Mayor can 'rely on the British Navy and be confident of the result'.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/12 · Item · 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Gunner John Henry Bailey, Service number 23403, of Royal Garrison Artillery, wrote from Grenville Fort, Maker Heights, Cornwall. His York address was 11 Park Lane, Holgate. He states he would have liked to spend Christmas at home with his parents but 'duty before pleasure'. He adds that he is proud to be a York lad and is 'looking forward to a speedy termination of this cruel war'. He ends by saying he will prize the box as long as God spares him as 'one never knows what a day brings'.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/121 · Item · 18 February 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Major Richard Digby Johnson of 2nd Royal Dublin Fusiliers, was serving with the British Expeditionary Force in France. He states that he received the gift in the trenches, adding that 'chocolate is always much appreciated here', and that the box will be valued by him as a souvenir. They all look forward to the mails and feel they 'owe a great deal to those at home' who have done so much for their comfort. He ends by saying it is a long time since he has lived in York and he is grateful the 'dear old City' remembers those connected with it.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/125 · Item · 13 March 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Bombardier William A Jones, Service number 37365, of 50th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, was serving with 34 Brigade, 2nd Division of the British Expeditionary Force. He states that he hopes the men will be home before the end of the Lord Mayor's year of office.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/128 · Item · 11 January 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Sergeant Major Thomas Lamb of 11th Service Battalion, (Prince of Wales Own) West Yorkshire Regiment, wrote on behalf of himself and his comrades, from South Camp, Aldershot. He states that he will keep the box as a 'small memento of this great war', but will send it home to his wife to take care of because it might go astray when they leave for the Front, which they all 'expect at an early date'. He ends by saying his son has 'now been in France five months'.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/132 · Item · 02 January 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

George Layton, late of 3rd West Yorkshire Regiment, wrote from 14 Carmelite St, Hungate, York. He thanks the Lord Mayor for the 'treat' his 'dear children received last night'. He was discharged on 30th October because of his teeth and was sorry as he 'was one of the men who was getting Mr Butcher's ten shillings a week', and his heart is with his King and Country. He previously served with the 1st King's Dragoons, and would gladly join the colours again and do his best with his comrades at the Front if he could get his 'teeth put right'.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/134 · Item · 12 May 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Joseph Lee, Service number 4839, of 18th Hussars, was serving with the British Expeditionary Force and wrote on YMCA headed paper from Rouen, France. He states that he will keep the box 'in remembrance of this war' and that it will 'make a nice centre to the Queen's box from South Africa and Princess Mary's box' which he received last Christmas. He adds that he hopes 'all the young fellows in York are enlisting for the sooner they do the sooner it will be over and home again'.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/137 · Item · 29 January 1916
Part of York Civic Archive

Driver T H Lumb of Mechanical [?] Transport, Army Service Corps wrote on headed paper from the 'Foot of Lendal Bridge', York. He apologises for not having written before, the reason being that the gift arrived when he was in hospital. His friend, Mr Powell, also of York, forwarded it on to his home address where it was waiting for him 'on returning from France for a few days sick furlough'.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/138 · Item · 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Private Thomas McGlone, Service number 10045, of D Company, 10 Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, wrote on YMCA headed paper from Wareham Camp, Dorset. He states that he has been stationed there since 16th September and that all his 'soldier chums from York' have received the gift except him. He asks to be sent one, 'not for the sake of the chocolate, but the honour of receiving one' from the Lord Mayor of the 'good old City of York'. He also includes his York address of 15, Portland Place, Layerthorpe.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/141 · Item · 14 January 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Private T Maloney of Irish Guards, wrote from Red X Hospital, Wethersfield, near Braintree. He states that he has been 'in bed eleven weeks through wounds received near Ypres' but expects 'to be ready again in a very short time'. He adds that it is nice to know he is thought of by those left behind and he ends by saying he hopes there will be 'an Honourable Peace' during the Lord Mayor's term of office.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/144 · Item · 15 January 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Private Thomas Middleton of Army Service Corps, Bradford wrote from 51 Swinnerton Avenue, Leeman Road, York. He states that he will keep the box for remembrance and will frame it. He has cut out the container label to keep in his 'small booth' and will take it with him all through the war. He says he expects to be for 'Duty of War' soon and that he is confident of the success of the Allies. He adds that he is poor but would like to return a New Year's gift as a 'memento of this Great War'.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/145 · Item · 8 February 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

C C Mitchell of 32nd Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps, wrote from 96 New Barracks, Limerick but adds that he is 'late of York'. He states that 'naturally enough, the contents will disappear, but not the box which will be a memento' of the kindness of the Lord Mayor and Sheriff to men from York who are doing their 'little bit in this crisis'.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/146 · Item · 13 January 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Joseph Molloy, Service number 1788, Machine Gun Section, 2nd Life Guards, 7th Cavalry Brigade, was on active service. He states that he did his 'colour service previous to the war in the 5th Lancers' but on mobilisation was transferred to the 2nd Life Guards who have done their 'allotted share of work in the firing line'.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/147 · Item · 18 January 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Driver H Moore of 12th Reserve Battery, Royal Field Artillery, wrote from Preston Barracks, Brighton. He states that he will treasure the box as long as he lives. He was 'wounded on the retreat from Mons in the early days of the war and was invalided home', but is still eligible to serve his King and Country at home although he has lost the sight of his left eye. He adds that he also received a box from Princess Mary and one from Queen Victoria, presented during the South African War, so he has a 'very nice collection'.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/148 · Item · 15 February 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Driver James William Morgan wrote from Ward 22, Central Hospital, Lichfield, Staffs. He states that he is now quite well and hopes to be 'in the firing line again by spring'. He is glad to know that, although they are so far away from their homes, they are not forgotten by the people of York and he is 'willing to do the share of those who are unable'. He adds that this is the first time he has seen active service but that he has 'soldiered on the North West Frontier of India where they are always causing trouble'.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/15 · Item · 22 April 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Beatrice Pew wrote on behalf of her brother, Percy Bardy, of Royal Field Artillery. Her address was 2 Leeman Road, York. She states that her brother has been serving in France since 6th November and that in a letter to her he said he had been 'through Neuve Chapelle, which he describes as 'Hell in a mist''. She ends by saying that her brother had asked her to write a letter of thanks as he 'did not know how to put one together.'

Y/ADM/4/2/1/150 · Item · 22 January 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Private Harold R Mountain, Service number 2336, of G Company, 4th East Yorkshire Regiment, wrote from Elswick Hall, Newcastle. He states that the men 'are being cared for very nicely, with plenty of Bread and Jam and Marching'. He adds that they heard today 'on good authority' that they are going out to the Front on 11th February, but does not know how true that is.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/152 · Item · 23 February 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Private Ronald P Murchison, Service number 8102, C Company, 3rd Battalion, 'The Black Watch', wrote from Ligg Camp, Ross-shire. He states that the 'handsome gift' presented to all York soldiers and sailors 'revived pleasant memories of York in a place many hundreds of miles from the old city'. He adds that he has seen in the York papers sent to him the long list of men who are serving their country and he is sure 'York has every reason to be proud of its record'.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/158 · Item · 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Private Harold Pattison, Service number 2226, of F Company, 5th West Yorkshire Regiment, wrote from Leeman Road, York. He states that the box is splendid and he will always 'save and prize' it. He adds that it is good to know that people who he does not know think of him 'in this time of sacrifices'. He has three brothers serving, two of whom are at the Front, so he thinks they are doing their share. He ends by apologising for using pencil as he is 'on Guard and cannot get ink'.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/159 · Item · 14 February 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Private John H Pawson, Service number 9986, of No. 10 Ambulance Train, Royal Army Medical Corps, was serving with the British Expeditionary Force. He states that the gift box was very much admired by men he showed it to. He hopes his brother Edward, of 109th Battalion, Royal Field Artillery, serving with the 23rd Brigade, also received the box as he is 'sure he would be proud to have such a gift'. He ends by signing himself 'A Proud Son of York' and gives his York address as 25 Wolseley St.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/161 · Item · 14 January 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

S Peckitt of 3 Depot Unit of Supply, Army Service Corps, was serving with the British Expeditionary Force. He describes the gift as a 'small box of luxuries' and adds that it is very acceptable at the present time as the men do not have the chance of purchasing their own 'sweetmeats'.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/164 · Item · 26 January 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Driver George Pfluger, Service number 44850, of B Battery, 105 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, wrote on paper headed 'Wesleyan Soldiers' Homes, Aldershot Command', from Lille Barracks, North Camp, Aldershot. He states that he received the gift late due to 'the suspended mails and Christmas traffic'.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/166 · Item · 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Private Edmund Skelton and Private Thomas Porritt of D Company, 2nd Yorkshire Regiment, were serving with 21st Brigade, 7th Division of the British Expeditionary Force. The handwriting suggests the letter was written by Edmund Skelton who states that such a gift from the old City is proof they are not forgotten by people at home. He adds that the boxes are not only appreciated now, but 'will be treasured by us (or ours) long after this war is over'.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/167 · Item · January 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Driver Eric Kilvington Potter of C Squad, Army Service Corps, attached to Yorkshire Hussars, wrote from the Talbot Hotel, Queen St, Scarborough. He states that it cheers the men up to know that their fellow citizens have not forgotten them. He adds that he has 'just come out of hospital through a kick in the face with a horse'.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/168 · Item · 24 January 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Harry Radwell Radford, Officers Mess Sergeant to 6th and 7th Leicestershire Regiment, wrote on headed paper from Badajoz Barracks, Wellington Lines, Aldershot. He apologises for the delay in writing which was because he had been 'laid up for the past three weeks'. He adds that it is very nice to know they are not forgotten during 'the present hard conditions'.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/170 · Item · 22 January 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Bandsman William E Raine, Service number 9263, of Headquarters, 2nd Yorkshire Regiment, was serving with the 21st Brigade, 7th division of the British Expeditionary Force. He states that it was very good of his people to send his name in so he could get the gift that 'all the York heroes' have received. He adds that he has been a citizen of York since his birth and hopes to 'return to the good old city safe after this terrible crisis is over'. He signs himself as 'One of the Green Howards'.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/171 · Item · 21 January 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Arthur Remington, Shoeing Smith, Service number 5491, of D Squadron, Royal Horse Guards Blue, was serving with 8th Cavalry Brigade, 3rd Cavalry Division of the British Expeditionary Force. He writes that he will take great care of the box in remembrance of the Lord Mayor and Sheriff's kindness.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/172 · Item · 17 January 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

H W Robson wrote from 23 St Oswalds Road, York. He states that he wishes to express his 'satisfaction at the compliment' of being considered a York man and included in the 'distinguished list'.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/173 · Item · 14 January 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Mary E Russell wrote on behalf of her husband, Private T Russell. Their York address was 15 Horner St, Burton Stone Lane, Clifton. She states that he was late of 10 Hussars but was at present at Harrogate with the 5th Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment. She adds that she is sure 'the box will be treasured by him as a memento of this terrible war'.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/175 · Item · 19 January 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Corporal John Emerson Sanderson, Service Number 5594, of 3rd Dragoon Guards, was serving with the British Expeditionary Force, and wrote on YMCA headed paper from No 6 Base Camp, Rouen, France. He states that he trusts he will have the box in his possession for many years to remind him of the Lord Mayor and Sheriff's kindness to the men of York. He ends by saying he will be proceeding to join his regiment at the Front the next day.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/177 · Item · 18 January 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Corporal Lawrence Shaftoe, Service number 54253, of 31st Signal Company, Royal Engineers, wrote from Baston on paper headed with the crossed out York address of Ashley Villa, Fulford. He states that, like the Lord Mayor and Sheriff, he is a Freeman of York and is glad that the city has in them 'such ardent supporters of its country's cause'.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/178 · Item · 11 January 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Private John W Shaw, Service number 6468, of 5th Company, Army Ordnance Corps, wrote from Le Havre, France. He states that the box is a 'splendid souvenir and will get the careful preservation it deserves'. He adds that it is a pleasure to know that gentlemen in the Lord Mayor and Sheriff's positions are working to cheer the men and maintain 'the patriotism with which the City of York has so long been associated'.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/179 · Item · 17 January 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

David Shearman of Army Service Corps, was on active service abroad with 4 Section, 7th Division, Ammunition Column. He states that they are having 'a rough time' but that he is 'quite happy to be able to do a little' for his King and Country with many of his fellow citizens, and hopes to be 'back again in York shortly victorious'. The Illustration is a photograph of German Prisoners of War in 1914 with a caption in French.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/18 · Item · 17 July 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Trooper P Batman of B Squadron, East Riding Yeomanry, wrote from the Majestic Hotel, Harrogate. He states that he will prize the box and 'look well after it as will be a very nice and priceless souvenir in years to come, when the European War is a thing of the past'.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/184 · Item · 29 January 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Private Henry Albert Smith, Service number 9552, of 3 Company, 3rd West Yorkshire Regiment, wrote on headed paper from Prudhoe Memorial Convalescent Home, Whitley Bay, Northumberland. He states that he will prize the box and asks if he could have his name enrolled as a citizen of York, which he would consider a great honour. He adds that has been 'in York for about 27 years, and in the West Yorkshire Regimental Band, cornet player for 12 years'. The letter is illustrated with a photograph of the Convalescent Home.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/186 · Item · 22 January 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Private William James Smith, Service number 4851, of Headquarters Staff, 18th L.M.O [?] Hussars, was serving with the British Expeditionary Force. He states that in years to come the gift will be a 'pleasant memento' of the Lord Mayor and Sheriff's 'kindness and thoughtfulness for those who have left Home at the call of Duty'.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/187 · Item · 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Lance Corporal Arthur Smithson, Service number 496, of 46 Company, Motor Transport, Army Service Corps, was serving with the 5th Cavalry Brigade of the British Expeditionary Force. He states that he is proud to be the 'recipient of such a nice souvenir' and trusts he will be spared 'to see the enemy made to lie low'. He hopes to return to York 'to spend many happy years in the town' of which he is proud. The letter is illustrated with a coloured picture of the flags of Great Britain and France.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/188 · Item · 15 January 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

R C Kettlewell, H Phillips and E Smithson of E Company, Royal Army Medical Corps, wrote from Aldershot. They state that it is gratifying to think they are remembered 'though so far away', and when they are 'even further away', as they hope soon to be, the memory of the gift will inspire them to 'strenuously uphold the honour of the Empire and the Old City' of which they are so proud. The 'wonderfully effective design of the gift box has evoked much admiration and not a little jealousy, which latter, however, was easily allayed by a taste of the chocolate'.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/19 · Item · 8 February 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Driver Wheeler M Beall, Service number 27476, of No I Base, Remount Depot, Army Service Corps, Rouen, France, was serving with the British Expeditionary Force. He writes that he is proud of receiving the gift from the Lord Mayor and 'the good people of York who have done such good work for the soldiers who have left the Old City'. He ends by saying he hopes 'someday perhaps, if spared, to come back to York again'.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/193 · Item · 12 January 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Sergeant Robert Spink of 2nd York and Lancaster Regiment, was serving overseas. He states that it is good of the Lord Mayor and Sheriff to remember 'the York lads at the Front' and that he will treasure the box as a 'souvenir of the war'. The postcard is illustrated with a coloured picture of the flag of Great Britain.

Y/ADM/4/2/1/196 · Item · 22 February 1915
Part of York Civic Archive

Corporal W T Stockdale, Service number 5716, of Army Service Corps, wrote from abroad. He states that he was 'born within the city walls in Tanner St', and will do his best to 'uphold the honour of the old city of York'. He adds he has enclosed a cutting from the Grangemouth News which shows that they 'sometimes enjoy life on active service as well as in peace time'. The undated cutting reports an event, presided over by Corporal Stockdale, when transport workers from the Port celebrated the birth of a Private's baby at a café with songs and melodeon music.