Showing 13759 results

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.

Sapper Arthur Cornmer, Service number 28856, of 212 Party, D Company, Royal Engineers wrote from Brompton B. [?], Chatham. He states that he has 'practically finished training', and expects to go soon to the Front, hoping to return safe. He adds that his 'late employer, Mr Gibbs of Fishergate', should be proud of his pre-war employees as all of them are 'at present serving in different branches of the Army'. He ends by saying he will treasure the box.

Able Seaman Albert Cossins wrote from 35 Mess, A Block, Royal Naval Barracks, Devonport. He states that he will keep the box as a souvenir from the Lord Mayor and Sheriff and thanks them for the kind way in which they thought of the men this Christmas, who he is sure will all be delighted with the gift.

Private John H Cotton, Service number 5769, of Railway Labour Company, Army Service Corps, IF PO 37 [?], was serving with the British Expeditionary Force in France. He states that he and his chums enjoyed the chocolate, which was the first they had tasted since leaving England, and that it was 'A.1. you see it was Rowntrees'. He adds that he is stationed with 23 men all doing railway transhipment work and is lucky to have a 'York chum' billeted with him. He ends by saying he will prize the box as a memento of the kindness shown to them.

Corporal C Alderson of A Squadron, 10th Royal Hussars, sent his postcard from overseas. He states that he is 'keeping fit and well and hopes to do so until the end'.

Petty Officer David Frederick Croft wrote from the Submarine Depot, Fort Blockhouse, Gosport, Hants.

David W Cross, Service number 5691, of 1st West Yorkshire Regiment wrote from Headquarters, British Expeditionary Force. He states that the gift serves to remind him of the 'Old City' where he will be 'pleased to return when hostilities cease'. He adds that 'progress is very slow but is also very sure' and that they will not be shaken off 'until Enough is cried by the Enemy'. He ends by saying that the troops are in good health and spirits and are 'looking forward to the day when they return to the Old Country A Victorious Army'.

Sergeant S Curtis used the printed pro-forma to say that he was quite well and had received the parcel.

Trooper Thomas Daniels, Service number 2956, of 1st Troop, A Squadron, Royal Scots Greys, was serving with the British Expeditionary Force. He states that the chocolate was very much appreciated by him and a few comrades he shared it with. He adds that he will treasure the box 'along with Princess Mary's box in remembrance of the Xmas of 1914 in France'.

Private F E S Dawes, of Royal Army Medical Corps, wrote c/o Mrs Eggins, 5 Church St, Paignton, Devon. He states that he was expecting to leave for the Front this month.

Private George Dawson, Service number 2498, of C Company, 1/5 West Yorkshire Regiment, wrote from Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire.

Gunner Henry Delaney of Royal Field Artillery, wrote on headed paper from the Friends Meeting House, Wincanton. He states that he is sending thanks on behalf of Gunners Delune and Newstead as well as himself.

Private William Diggle of B Company, 8th Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment, wrote from Aston Clinton, Buckinghamshire. He states that the chocolates were very much appreciated and his 'chums all wished that they had come from York'. He ends by saying that if spared to visit the 'old city' again, he hopes to have the pleasure of thanking the Lord Mayor and Sheriff personally.

Private Wilfrid Dixon, Service number 33783, of E Company, Royal Army Medical Corps, wrote from Macgregor Barracks, Aldershot.

Private William Dodd, Service number 15202, of A Company, 6th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment wrote from Belton Park Camp, Grantham, Lincolnshire. He states that he will send the 'box home to keep as a souvenir of the occasion'.

Major C E Allen of 5th Reserve Cavalry Regiment, wrote from York.

Private Charles Donarty, Saddler, Service number T/3 023785 of 3rd Company, Army Service Corps, wrote on YMCA headed paper from The Elms, Parkfield Road, Manningham, Bradford . He states that the life he has taken up is 'made much happier by the receipt of such gifts'.

Major Fielder Duffin of R. S. [?] Offices, Navy, York wrote from 6 Marlborough Grove, York. He states that he will treasure the beautiful box and appreciates the kindly thought. He adds that his thoughts turn to the 'brave comrades who are fighting, under such trying conditions, the 'World's' battles and can only hope that ere another Xmas has passed, a lasting Peace in accordance with the dictates of humanity and civilisation as against the 'Kultur' brand may be thoroughly established'.

Sapper Henry Dunn, Service number 45148, of 89th Field Company, Royal Engineers, wrote from C block, Gibraltar Barracks, South Camp, Aldershot. He states that he is writing to express thanks on behalf of the York men in his Company.

Walter Early of 9th Field Bakery, wrote from Rouen, France. He states that the 'box will serve as a nice receptacle for the souvenirs of the war' he is gathering up and will also remind him of the generosity of the Lord Mayor. He ends by saying they are hoping for better weather.

Private Fred Eastgate of Y Company, R section, Royal Army Medical Corps, wrote from Landrindod Wells, Wales.

F Eaves wrote from Mess 39, HMS Illustrious.

Able Seaman William C Ellis of Royal Fleet Reserve, wrote from HMS Amphitrite. The Illustration is of the ship and the postcard was produced by Abrahams & Sons, Devonport.

Sergeant Benjamin Elsegood of 1st West Yorkshire Regiment, wrote from France. He thanks the Lord Mayor and Sheriff for their 'thoughtfulness for those belonging to the good Old City of York', to which they are all so proud to belong and hope soon to return to. He ends by saying that he had previously been a steam roller driver and had worked for York Corporation for 8 ½ years.

Private Arthur Exelby of Headquarters, 1st West Riding Infantry Brigade, wrote from Lumley Barracks, York.

The typed letter was written in York and signed by 7 men serving with the Army Pay Corps. They were Sergeant Charles F Franklin, Service number 3100, Private E J Biddick, Service number 3492, Private E S Sands, Service number 3720, Private Horace Gladstone Tootell, Service number 4002, Private S Chadney, Service number 3997, Private L I Ellis, Service number 3998, Private Eric William Edmands, Service number 4561 and Private P H Taylor, Service number 3716.

Private Henry Appleyard, Service number 2311, of A Squadron, Yorkshire Hussars, wrote from Harlow, Essex.

Sergeant F Falkingham of 1st Cavalry Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps, was serving with the British Expeditionary Force.

Sergeant Fannon of 4th West Yorkshire Regiment, wrote from Wireless Station, St Just, Cornwall. He states that the gift was a surprise given the number of 'men of the old City of York that have been sent to the Front'. He adds that he has a detachment of 20 men with him and that St Just is a 'very rough place - the wind is very calm at 50 miles an hour and for rain it has not ceased for a month'.

Lieutenant Ralph Fermi of Royal Horse Guards, writes that the gift had been addressed to Private Fearne of 5th Cavalry Reserve Regiment attached Royal Horse Guards, British Expeditionary Force, but he has concluded it was meant for him as a representative called at his house in York asking for his name and address.

Fred Firth, Service number 328, of D Company, Leeds Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, wrote from Colsterdale. He states that he will keep the gift 'to commemorate the greatest struggle for justice the world has ever known' and in which it was his 'good fortune to take a small part'.

Lance Corporal A Forbes of Headquarters Staff, 4th Mounted Brigade, wrote from North Walsham, Norfolk. He states that he will always keep the gift as a memento.

Bombardier Bernard Foster, Service number 3235, of Royal Field Artillery, wrote from B & C Depôt, Caserne Groupel, Rouen, France. He states that he hopes someday to thank the Lord Mayor and Sheriff again and all who have helped on the men's behalf.

T Fletcher, Service number 9619, of 1st West Yorkshire Regiment, was serving with the British Expeditionary Force in France. He states that he found the box very useful when he was in the trenches. He apologises for not answering before as 'it has been very wet weather in The Trenches'.

Sergeant Charles F Franklin of Army Pay Corps wrote from Army Pay Office, 4, St Peters Terrace, Bootham, York. He requests a 'free gift box' as he has been serving in York since 3rd November 1914 and would like it as a souvenir of his time spent in the city.

Edward Freeman wrote from Mess 41, HMS Achilles. He asks the Lord Mayor to tender his thanks to Oscar Rowntree as he is a 'late employee of Rowntrees'.

Corporal Charles Freer, Service number 1453, of No 1 Troop, The East Riding of Yorkshire Yeomanry, wrote from Castle Eden, County Durham.

Private Arthur Arey of A Company, 6th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, wrote from Belton Park, Grantham, Lincolnshire. He states that he will 'keep the box as a memento of the occasion'.

Lance Corporal Sidney Gibson wrote on behalf of himself and Private J Smith, York, both of 10th Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, from Wareham, Dorsetshire, using YMCA headed paper. He states that his comrades were glad to enjoy the chocolate with him.