Harrogate Herald - 18th April 1917

Private F Matson writes : 

Today is Easter Sunday, and a beautiful day it is. It makes one think that the summer is here, and one is back in Blighty - "IDT" - but things are looking much brighter now, and I hope it won't be long before all the boys are back again to their homes. We have not had much to complain of as regards the weather. January and February were the two worst months. I should be very glad of the "Annual" if you have one left, but I don't wish to cause you any trouble. I know that you will soon be thinking about publishing this year's. I have had the pleasure of meeting one or two of the Harrogate boys quite by accident. I happened to be out one evening, and I dropped in one of the little French estaminets for a coffee, when to my surprise I saw there a Harrogate boy. His name was Yates, and he was employed by Butterfield, chemist.

Harrogate Herald - 9th May 1917

Private F Matson says : 

I see by the paper that quite a number of Harrogate lads are mentioned. By the way, do you still send your paper to Private F W Robinson, 17th West Yorks? If so, could you give me his address? I was moved away from the company while he was in hospital, therefore I didn't get to see him. The weather is simply a treat, and makes it better for us and worse for the Huns. I have given them a capital letter, but I am sure they don't deserve it. They got a terrible whacking round this quarter. We have taken a great number of prisoners. My word, it would do them good if they saw the number of guns we have ready for the opportune moment. I hope you are quite well, as I am in the pink at present. Thanking you for the paper.

Harrogate Herald - 27th February 1918

F Maton [I believe this should be Matson] says : I learn from the papers the Allies has been giving Germany "snuff" in regard to air reprisals, and that the people have been panic-stricken and crying for peace. "That's the stuff to give 'em". They will perhaps realise now what undefended towns of England have suffered.