Showing 20467 results

G B Strickland of 10th York and Lancashire Regiment, wrote from Linslade, Leighton Buzzard. He states that the gift was 'much admired and envied by men from other towns, who were not thought of in such a manner'.

Private Walter Suter wrote from 6 Railway Terrace, Holgate Road, York. He states his hope that the men will 'all prove a credit' to their 'ancient city and country'.

Major Sykes of Army Service Corps, wrote from Woolbridge Farm, Wool, Dorset. He states that he returned from France last month 'to assist in the training of the New Army'.

Saddler Frederick Louis Adamson, Service number 24748, of 78th Brigade, 246 Battery, Royal Field Artillery, wrote from Newton Manor, Swanage. He states that he is the only York man in his battery and that his 'chums have all taken a fancy' to the gift. He adds he will take great care of it so that he has something to remember the kindness shown to all the York men by the Lord Mayor and Sheriff.

Private H Beardmore of Mechanical Transport Supply Column, Army Service Corps, typed his letter from Council Schools, Woodlands, near Doncaster. He states that the gift was greatly appreciated by him and other York men there with him.

Private Walter J Tanner, Service number 7535, of Duke of Wellington's Regiment, wrote on headed paper from West Riding Depot, Halifax. He states that it encourages him to do his duty when he knows his 'services are so kindly acknowledged'.

L Wilfred Taylor of 4th Public Schools Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, wrote from Ashstead, Surrey. He thanks the Lord Mayor and Sheriff for remembering him 'as having enrolled from York' and states his hope that the 'York contingent to the Army will perform a real and lasting part in this war against Prussian Tyranny'.

Mowbray Taylor of Royal Army Medical Corps, wrote from Duke of York's Headquarters, Chelsea, London. He states that after leaving York he was in charge of training 900 recruits for 4 Field Ambulances. He was then given command of a Field Ambulance but has been recalled to Chelsea to repeat his work. He adds that 'the officers (who must be Medical Men) are very scarce' as there are better openings for them and he is afraid they will not get the 38 they need. He ends by saying he hopes the war will soon be over and most men will return to York.

Sapper George Ronald Marfit Temple, Service number 2551, of 3rd Line Depot Unit, 1st West Riding Ter. [?], Royal Engineers, Glossop Road Barracks, Sheffield, wrote from 27 Union Terrace, York.

Acting Bombardier Thomlinson of Royal Field Artillery, wrote from City Hall, Glasgow.

Private Harry Thomlinson of 21st Service Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, wrote from Ashtead, Surrey.

Private John Edward Thompson, Service number 36295, of Royal Army Medical Corps, wrote from Married Quarters, Room 18, A Square, E Company, RAMC Depot, Aldershot. He states that Private J A Smith, who he mentioned in a letter the previous day, has still not received his gift. He adds that he is leaving for the Front in a day or two and will do his duty to the best of his abilities, knowing that the men are being thought about in the 'ancient City of York'.

Lieutenant Harry Delamere Thwaytes of 1 Dorset Regiment, was serving with the British Expeditionary Force, France.

C Tickner wrote from abroad. He states that he will always be proud of the gift and hopes to 'return safe once more to dear Old York' and show it to his friends. The illustrations are a photograph of Admiral Sir John Jellicoe and a coloured picture of British and French 'Flags of Freedom'. The lyrics to 'God Save our Gracious King' are also included.

Sergeant J E Townsley of Army Service Corps, Mechanical [?] Transport, with 2 Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, Ammunition Column, was serving with the British Expeditionary Force. He states he hopes to bring back his gift to York as a 'memento in years to come'. He adds that he trusts in God to bring him home again 'hoping to find England free from any devastation caused by the enemy other than the cruel and unwarlike raid' on the coast. He also sent a Field Service postcard on the same day to say he had received the parcel.

M Binns wrote on behalf of her son, Private G Binns, who is 'out of York at present'. Her address was 4 Levisham St, Fulford Rd, York. She states that 'the gift and the kind thought that prompted it are both so beautiful that it is giving great pleasure to all who receive it'. She adds her hope that 'the 7 York lads who are now prisoners of war and who don't seem to have received any Xmas gifts from York' will receive the box.

H Towse wrote on headed paper from HMS Natal, 2nd Cruiser Squadron. He states that since the start of the war they have had every reason in the fleet to be grateful to their Country for the spontaneous way in which people at home have 'answered the call' made by the heads of the cities to supply them with comforts. He adds 'it is still pouring in', but as a man of York he appreciates the kind thought that prompted the Lord Mayor and Sheriff to send the 'little token', and he will 'value it more than all else'.

Private R Trapps of No. 4 Section, No. 4 Platoon, F Company, 4th Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, wrote from St Anthony's Fort, Falmouth, Cornwall. He states that he wishes the place he is stationed at and the weather is 'as good as the chocolates'. He adds that it gives him pleasure to think that he has left behind 'some of the Grand Old City friends and well-wishers in the present crisis' and hopes to be back soon. He adds a PS 'Excuse writing'.

G Vokins of B Squadron, 6th Dragoon Guards, was serving with the British Expeditionary Force. He states that the gift will be 'kept as a souvenir by all the York soldiers who are fighting on the Continent'.

C W Vokins of E Company, B Subsection, Royal Army Medical Corps, wrote from 16c Married Quarters, A Square, RAMC Depot, Aldershot.

W Walters, Service number 592, of West Riding National Reserve, wrote from Dringhouses, York. He states his hope that the Lord Mayor will have the 'felicity' during his term of office of 'declaring from the steps of the Mansion House, the proclamation of peace'.

Private Ernest Charles Ward, Service number 12828, of G Company, 27 Platoon, 3rd Northumberland Fusiliers, wrote on YMCA headed paper from The Huts, East Boldon, County of Durham. He states that it is very kind of the Lord Mayor and Sheriff to think about the men of York who have left their home 'for the Good of the Country'.

H Ward wrote from abroad.

Corporal H Ward of 4th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, wrote from Elswick Works Institute, Scotswood Road, Newcastle on Tyne. He states that it gives him great pleasure to think that the Lord Mayor and Sheriff should 'so kindly remember the men who are to fight for their King and Empire in this great struggle'.

Private Robert Ward of 2nd Platoon, F Company, West Yorkshire Regiment, wrote from St Anthony's Fort, Falmouth, Cornwall. He states that it gives him pleasure to remember that, as a citizen of York, he has left behind him in the 'Grand Old City friends and well-wishers in the present conflict'.

Private L Wardley, Service number 2407, of Army Service Corps, wrote from St John's and St Elizabeth Hospital, London. He states that he will value the box in years to come.

Sergeant Henry James Birkbeck, Service number 55090, of Railway Transport Establishment, Royal Engineers, was serving with the British Expeditionary Force. He states that he will keep the box as a memento as 'it is so artistically got up'.

J E Watson wrote from Head Quarters, No 5. District, York. He states that the box will 'always be a remembrance of these stirring times of war' and of his 'very pleasant time in York'.

Captain T F A Webb of 13th (Service) Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, wrote on headed paper and had crossed out the address of Shoreham on Sea and inserted 'Rutland Hall, Hove'.

Private W Weir wrote from abroad on active service. He states that he was pleased to see that the men are always in the Lord Mayor's thoughts and he hopes someday, if God spares him, to return to the 'dear old City of York'.

Stoker Leonard Wells wrote from No 44 Mess, HMS King George V. He states his trust that 'peace and prosperity' will be restored to his native city during the Lord Mayor's 'Reign of Office this year'.

Private Frank Fieldhouse White, Service number 6362, of 1st Scots Guards, was a prisoner of war and gave his camp address as Schneidemuhl, Germany. He states that because he 'belongs to the City Corporation Tramway', he knows the Sheriff's high office and therefore is the more grateful that the men of the city who are doing their 'duty for King and Country on the continent' have been remembered.

Frank Williamson of D Company, 13th Platoon, 5th West Yorkshire Regiment, wrote from Leeman Road, York. He states that the box will serve as a memento of his part in the 'present struggle, a part which up to the present at any rate has been full of interest and which has been marked by hard work and plenty of humour'.

Fred Warran Wilson, Able Seaman, wrote from HMS Changuinola.

Colour Sergeant H Wilson of 3rd Battalion, Kings Royal Rifle Corps, was serving with the 3rd Echelon of the British Expeditionary Force. He states that he will always keep the box as a souvenir, 'along with the late Queen Victoria's chocolate box, which he received during the South African War', which also contained Rowntrees chocolate.

Fred Wood of Army Pay Department, was serving with the British Expeditionary Force in France. He states that the box is a 'pretty souvenir' and that the contents were greatly appreciated by his comrades and himself.

J Wood, Squadron Sergeant Major (Orderly Room Sergeant), of Cavalry Section, 5th Lancers, wrote his typed letter from General Headquarters, 3rd Echelon, British Expeditionary Force, Rouen.

Private G Booth, Service number 2692, of Mechanical Transport, Army Service Corps, was serving with the British Expeditionary Force but wrote from 29, Union Terrace, Clarence St, York, where he was on furlough. He states that the gift touched him very much and he will cherish it to his last. He adds he sincerely trusts he 'may be spared to render further services to his King and Country and the old City' of his birth. He ends by saying he has been invalided home with rheumatism but is much better and is being sent to Aldershot on 23 January.

Private James Woods, Service number 254, of A Squadron, 10th Royal Hussars, was serving with the British Expeditionary Force. He states that he came home on 72 hours leave and brought the box and Princess Mary's gift back. He has two brothers in the BEF and another in the Territorials and so thinks his family are doing their best for King and Country. He hopes they will soon all be back home safe as he has been 'away from England eight years, six in India and two in South Africa'. He ends by giving his parents' address of 13, Ash St, Poppleton Road, York.

Herbert Wrench, Leading Seaman, of Royal Fleet Reserve, wrote from HMS Laurentic.

E Wrigglesworth wrote from Mess 42, HMS Zealandia. He states that he will keep the box 'for a keepsake as a remembrance' of the Lord Mayor and Sheriff.

Private F Wright, Service number 11447, of 1st Royal Dragoons, 3rd Troop, A Squadron, wrote from Silver St Barracks, Dunbar. He says it is difficult to know why more York youths are not joining up. He expected army life to be hard, but was 'surprised to find it the very opposite' as they have 'two half-holidays a week and are seldom on duty after tea'. The pay is good, they have excellent food and everyone is friendly so 'It is a gentleman's life'. But 'joking apart', they have the satisfaction of knowing that someday they will do their 'little bit with the rest'.

John E Wright, Service number 82350, of Royal Field Artillery, wrote from Glasgow. He states that he is with 'several York lads here - several from Messrs Rowntrees'.

Major W D Young of East Yorkshire Regiment, wrote from abroad. He states that he will treasure the box in future years.

F Duchene wrote a short message of thanks, with details in red ink in a different hand - Caporal Fourrier [Quartermaster] of 328 [? Illeg.], 31 [? Illeg.], Landerneau. The illustration is a photograph of a young woman from Brittany with the caption '1718 Bannalec - Toilette de Mariage [sic]'.

Private John Howden, Service number 44575, wrote from Ye [?] Wells Hotel, Llandrindod Wells, Mid Wales. He states that he will 'prize the gift box very much'.

Corporal Walter Perkin of 4th Troop, A Squadron, 11th Reserve Cavalry Regiment, wrote from Tidworth.

Gunner Henry Armitage of 9 Battery, 41st Brigade, was serving with the British Expeditionary Force. He states that he is pleased the men are thought of by someone else besides their families. He adds that the gift will remind York men of home and will be 'something to be proud of when this great trouble is over'. He is sure every man will do his best to uphold the 'honour of the Old City and King and Country'. He ends by asking for the writing to be excused as they 'have no pen and ink and no table to write on'.

Gunner John J Booth, Service number 14475, of No 26 Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, 1st Division Ammunition Column, was serving with the British Expeditionary Force.

Sapper Fred Tuck. Service number 1320, of London Electrical Engineers, wrote from Regency St, Westminster, SW. He states his hope that they will, 'in the near future, be under normal conditions again'.

Lance Corporal T Mulhearn wrote from Curragh Camp. He states that 'chocolates are most welcome and are quite a change to the ordinary routine'. He adds that on a recent route march of about 20 miles 'the chocolates were both refreshing and sustaining'.

Wilfrid Gutch of Headquarters, Yorkshire Mounted Brigade, wrote from Hornsea. He states that he is proud of his 'connection with one much loved and ancient city'. He adds that he will treasure the gift even though at present his serving his 'King and Country has got no further than the (Sea) Front'.

William Marray wrote from HMS Inconstant. He states that a gift from 'such a source' proves to him that the men are not forgotten.

Lieutenant L T Pool of Royal Army Medical Corps, was serving with the 20th Field Ambulance, British Expeditionary Force.

Major C Medhurst, late Army Pay Department, wrote from 25 Empress Road, Derby. He states that he appreciates 'the pretty Christmas card very much'.

Second Lieutenant Edward Martin Guy of Headquarters, Northumberland Hussars Yeomanry, Newcastle on Tyne, wrote on headed paper from High Gosforth Park. He states that he is sure everyone who gets a box will much appreciate it.

Major Smithett of Headquarters, East Anglian Division, wrote on headed paper from Bury St Edmund's. He thanks the Lord Mayor and Sheriff for their 'remembrance of him during the present crisis'.

Private Albert Howard, Service number 7066, of 5th Lancers, was serving with the British Expeditionary Force, France. He states that he has 'run across several York men here' and they all say the gift was a surprise as they did not know it was being sent. He adds that they are having 'some hard weather here but all very cheerful considering circumstances'.

H Eaton of Depot Staff, 6th Infantry Base, was serving with the British Expeditionary Force and wrote on YMCA headed paper from Harfleur, Le Havre, France. He states that he hopes they will soon be in 'that good old Town of York' again if 'God will spare' them.

C M Bowerman wrote on behalf of her unnamed husband, a prisoner of war. She gave her address as Post Office, Scar Lane, Milnsbridge, Huddersfield. She states that she hopes the Lord Mayor will use his power for their 'husbands so unfortunately interred'.

Captain F B Archer was serving with the British Expeditionary Force and wrote from Boulogne Base, France. He states that 'he was educated in York and knows the city well, and all can rest assured that H M Troops in France are doing their best to uphold the traditions of the old Country'. He adds that they hope to 'get a move on things before long, and to let the Huns know that they are up against something more than a contemptable little Army'.

Private Reginald A Winn of 5 Durham Light Infantry, wrote from 13 Gibson Terrace, Haughton Road, Darlington.

Thomas E Gee, Service number 271, of A Company, 18th (Service) Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, wrote on headed paper from Room 24, Cocken Hall, Fence Houses, Co. Durham.

Lieutenant George Herbert of Army Service Corps, wrote from Main Supply Depot, Sighthill Station, Glasgow. He states that the 'idea is well worthy of universal initiation had not the time passed' and asks for 2 more tins for his 'brother officers'. He expects to go to the Front within the next week and trusts he will have the 'force and true fighting spirit so characteristic of a Yorkshireman' and be a credit to his city of York. He ends by saying he is a Liberal and an admirer of the Lord Mayor's work as Chairman of the York Liberal Party.

Lieutenant A W G Browne of Army Pay Department, wrote from 11 St Mary's, Bootham, York.

The anonymous soldier of 4th Reserve Cavalry, wrote from Assay Barracks, Tidworth.

Private W A Bowles, Service number 6046, of B Squadron, Royal Scots Greys, was serving with the British Expeditionary Force. He states that it is a 'godsend' that York has not forgotten the soldiers who are 'undergoing the hardship and fatigue of active service for a good cause of their King and Country'. He hopes the 'Young Men of York have answered Lord Kitchener's appeal for Recruits' and that when in France they will keep up England's reputation against the 'Barbarians in deeds'. He ends by saying he hopes they will soon be victorious and 'the world will be rid of a Domineering Nation'.

William Bradshaw, Service number 70, of 5 Company, 6 Reserve Park, Army Service Corps, was serving with the British Expeditionary Force.

Sergeant W Brain of 12th West Yorkshire Regiment, wrote from Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire.

Private George William Breckon of Royal Marines, wrote from HMS New Zealand, 1st Battle Cruiser Squadron. He states that he is sending the box home as a keepsake and was pleased to see his name in York's Roll of Honour, adding that the list shows 'the City has contributed well'. He says it is 12 months since he was in York and will be pleased to come again. He has taken part in two victorious actions and they are patiently waiting for the next one, but fear the Germans will be 'too much afraid of our gunnery to venture out again'.

Maud Agar wrote on behalf of her husband, Private John William Agar, Service number 4781, of 4th Dragoon Guards. Their York address was 4 Gray's Buildings, Priory St. She states that he is a prisoner of war in Doeberitz, Germany and she was surprised to get a postcard from him as 'they had only been allowed to write once in 50 days' but are 'allowed to write every fortnight from now'. She adds 'they may receive as many parcels and postcards' as they care to send and that her husband had acknowledged the international money order she sent him before Christmas.

W A Brennen used the printed pro-forma to say he was quite well and had received the parcel.

Christopher Bridgewater, a prisoner of war, gave his camp address as 1st Company, Number 28, Gefangenenlager Salzwedel, Germany. He states that he is going to keep the box as a 'keepsake in remembrance of this Terrible War' and of the kindness shown to him by the Lord Mayor.

Bandsman [?] A. Brooks, S.B. [?] Headquarters, 1st West Yorkshire Regiment, was serving with the 18th Infantry Brigade, 6th Division of the British Expeditionary Force. He states that he will keep the box as a keepsake and 'hopes to take it home again to the Old City'. He adds they have had most 'trying experiences' out there to uphold the traditions of men who are 'proud to own the City of York as their Home and also the British Empire'. He ends by saying his father is proud to be an employee in the Elect Block at The Lord Mayor's Works.

Staff Sergeant George Burland, Armourer Staff Sergeant, of Army Ordnance Corps, wrote from Room 22, C Floor, Red Barracks, Woolwich.

Driver Robert Burrows, Service number 262, of Army Service Corps, was attached to Royal Engineers and wrote from Little Carlton, Newark. He congratulates the Lord Mayor and Sheriff on their appointments, and trusts 'it will not be the last time' they hold the 'the honours and offices'.

Trooper F Busby of B Squadron, East Yorkshire Yeomanry, wrote from Castle Eden, County Durham. He states that he and his chums have enjoyed the contents immensely and that he will keep the box as a 'souvenir of the most momentous Christmas' of his life and of the 'dear old ancient and honourable City', to which he is so proud to belong.

Lance Sergeant Reginald Bushy wrote from the Sergeants Mess, Victoria Barracks, Beverley. He states that he will 'treasure the souvenir' as an encouragement to do his duty.

Driver James Butterfield of Army Service Corps, wrote from Victoria Hall, Pocklington.

Lieutenant P H Bushell wrote on headed paper from Strathmoor, The Mount, York. He states that he received his gift 'on his return home from France'.

George T Cambers of 66 Company, Mechanical [?] Transport Section 3, Army Service Corps, was serving in France. He states that he enjoyed the chocolate which was a change from the tobacco and cigarettes they usually get. He says he will value the box as a 'nice little souvenir' if he can get it home. He ends by saying his Company is at present packed but that they 'expect soon to return to the business of supplying ammunition'.

Sapper William Ainsley of 32nd Signal Company, Royal Engineers, wrote from 25 West St, Brixton. He states that the design of the box lid is very artistic and that he will keep it as 'a souvenir of the war' and a 'memento of the interest and sympathy' shown by the Lord Mayor and Sheriff to their 'fellow citizens who have joined the colours at this critical time'.

Major W S Carey of Army Pay Departments, wrote from the Exhibition Hall, York. He states that the box is 'very nice and artistic'.

Private J Carter wrote from 22 Mess, HMS Implacable. He states that he will treasure the gift and that it brought memories of his early life when he worked at Terrys.

Private John Edwin Carter of Mechanical [?] Transport, Army Service Corps, was attached to Royal Flying Corps Headquarters. He states that he appreciates the gift especially as it comes from York. He adds that he hopes to 'carry the box through the campaign unscathed and return with it as a souvenir combining York with the Great European War'.

Warrant Officer Charles Catley, Royal Marine Gunner, wrote on headed paper from HMS Queen Mary, 1st Battle Cruiser Squadron. He states that it is 'a great honour, as well as a great responsibility to help to represent a City holding the traditions which York holds, at a time like this'.

Private R N Catton, Service number 214, of Royal Army Medical Corps was attached to Headquarters, No 75 Company, Mechanical [?] Transport, Army Service Corps with the 8th Ammunition Column, British Expeditionary Force. He writes that he hopes all the men of York will appreciate the gift as much as he does.

Vincent Chapman, Service number 4389, of 2nd Scots Guards, was a prisoner of war and gave his camp address as 74 Hut, Grottingen, Hannover, Germany. He states that if the Lord Mayor and Sheriff 'have anything that would come in useful out here' he would be very pleased to receive it.

Sergeant Archibald Clark, Service number S/22436, of Army Service Corps, 37 Depot Unit of Supply, was serving with the British Expeditionary Force. He states that the empty box will be returned to York to be kept by his parents as a memento and will always be 'highly treasured' by him.

Major M Clark of 16th Battery, 41st Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, was serving with the 2nd Division, British Expeditionary Force. He states that it is 'kindness of this sort on the part of folk at home that has done everything towards cheering all ranks in the field'. He adds that the performance of a soldier's active duties will always be hard but 'the task becomes lighter when he knows that his fellow countrymen from highest to lowest share in and accept the responsibility for his doings'.

Lance Corporal W Clifford of East Riding Yeomanry, wrote from Seaham Hall, Seaham, Durham.

Private W G Coles, Service number 5810, wrote from Headquarters, 3rd Infantry Brigade. He states that the chocolate was fine and his chums know that as well as he does. At the end of the letter he adds 'Roll on Eboracum'.

Gunner J Airey writes that he is pleased to know that 'York City has not forgotten its citizens now serving the King and Country'.

Private Joseph Farrell Calpin of B Company, 11th Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, wrote from Oudenard Barracks, South Camp, Aldershot. He states that the box was a surprise as he seldom receives anything of the sort and asks the Lord Mayor and Sheriff to 'excuse the pencil as in barracks pens and ink are, to all appearances, completely extinct'. He ends by saying that his one wish is 'to meet the united Prussian and German forces'.

Lance Corporal John Henry Collins, Service number 2148, of A Company, I Kings Royal Rifles, was serving with the British Expeditionary Force. He writes that he received the box in the trench and made some cocoa with the chocolate. He and four more York men then drank to the Lord Mayor and Sheriff's health. He ends by saying he trusts in God to bring them all safe home.

A C Conn, Royal Navy, wrote from HMS Faulkner, 4th Destroyer Flotilla. He states that he will especially value the gift as 'it shows that York, that splendid old city with its unrivalled historic associations, still contains men who worthily uphold its splendid traditions' and who, unable to bear arms themselves, 'cheerfully do their utmost towards maintaining the comfort' of those 'who are fortunate enough to be able to assist in the defence of their country'. He adds that he feels sure it will be motivating for the men to know they are not forgotten by the Lord Mayor and Sheriff.

Private John Convey of 1st West Yorkshire Regiment, was a prisoner of war in No 9 Company of the 2nd Gefanangen Battalion. He gave his camp address as Truppenubungsplatz, Ohrdruf, Thuringen, Germany.

Service number: 11778. Lance Corporal Cooper was serving as part of 5 section, D Company, 6th Division, Durham Light Infantry. At the time of writing he was based in Rouen.

Lieutenant C H S Cooper wrote on headed paper from Danesmead, Fulford, York.

Edmund Corbett, Service number 6929, of 1 Troup, A Squadron, 5th Lancers, was serving with the British Expeditionary Force. He states that he received his chocolate whilst serving at the Front and brought it home on 96 hours leave. He adds that he is due to leave tonight for the Front and hopes he will be spared to resume his 'work (after this terrible war) again as a Conductor on the Cars'. He ends by thanking the Corporation for the 'generous support' that is being extended to his wife while he is on active service.