KNOTTINGLEY MEN WRITE TO MR. SCHOFIELD

Pontefract and Castleford Express January 1917

The landlord Mr. J. Schofield, and the customers of the Aire Street Hotel, Knottingley, continue to take a practical interest in 'Knottingley Lads' in khaki and the following snippets from letters received by 'mine host' show how much the gifts sent out are appreciated.

Private A. Hutchinson (Northd. Salonica) 
"I have been wounded in the arm but I am back now doing a bit more so I shall not get back home yet.  I have met Crock Walker and Jack Bennet, tell Eli to write. I wish I was having a pint just now."

Private T. Charlesworth (K.O.Y.L.I.) tells of being out of the trenches for a rest and says his brothers death was a great blow to him, He asks about 'Henry Booth' and as to the cigarettes he says, "Woodbines are always acceptable."

Private Jno. Spence Hirst,( K.O.Y.L.I. France) 
''I am back here alright and in good spirits.  All the lads send best respects and thank you for the cigs. I told them what a fine time I had with you all.  Give my best respects to Jno. Heatings, Billy Horton and Jack Hampshire.''

Private Noble Wray, (39th General Hospital, Le Havre') wishing all at home a bumping Christmas and a War-ending New Year.  He says as to the French beer that he could, "sup it for a month without sleep.''

Driver J. Bagley (Salonica Forces) 
''Glad it is the dear old Woodbine. Not being a pipe smoker, cigs are doubly welcome. We have nothing to grumble at here.  We are fattening up some turkeys for Xmas and you can tell the boys we mean to do justice to them. We hope to give the 'Bulgars' a warm time this coming year."

Private E. Cocker, (East Yorks.) writes that he has 
"Arrived alright at Bermuda and I thank you very much for the cigs.  It is beautiful here, bananas, oranges, etc.  Wishing you a happy New Year.  Keep on smiling ''till the boys come home.''

Others who write are, Driver W Schofield (R.F.A., France), Bomber J. Walker (France) Private's J. Thomson, G. Rowbottom, (K.O.Y.L.I., Wellingborough) and George Byram (West Yorks., France)

Pontefract and Castleford Express January 1917

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