Thursday 3rd September 1914

From his study in Otterburn, Gilbert Tunstill wrote the letter appealing for men to join him in volunteering to join the Army; the letter would be published next day in the Craven Herald.

"AN APPEAL TO THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE SETTLE DISTRICT OF THE WEST RIDING OF THE COUNTY OF YORKSHIRE

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

As your representative on the West Riding County Council, I am impressed with the vital necessity of immediately rallying to the Country’s call for soldiers in the desperate struggle now confronting the Nation, and upon which depends our very existence as an Empire.

 

Lord Kitchener appeals to all men between the age of 18 and 35 years, who are physically fit to shoulder a rifle, to at once voluntarily come forward and offer themselves for service in the new army. I believe that I can now best serve your interests by enlisting in this new army and so do my share in protecting your and my homes and your and my interests from the brutal grasp of Germany.

This district, which is made up of the town of Settle and the following villages: Giggleswick, Langcliffe, Rathmell, Stainforth, Longpreston, Tosside, Wigglesworth, Slaidburn, Easington, Forests of Bowland, Newton, Waddington, Bashall Eaves, Mitton, West Bradford, Gisburn, Middup, Newsholme, Paythorne, Rimington, Grindleton, Sawley, Hellifield, Halton, Nappa, Swinden, Kirby Malham, Airton, Hanlith, Malham, Malham Moor, Otterburn, Scosthrop, Bolton by Bowland, Arncliffe, Halton Gill, Hawkswick and Litton – contains, I feel convinced, a large number of men who are ready and willing to serve their King and Country in this grave emergency. 

It is my endeavour and my ambition to raise 99 men from this district and so form, together with my own enlistment, one whole company of 100 strong. 

I appeal most strongly, most urgently to all in this district to assist this movement by every means in their power, and in the case of employers to make it as easy as possible for eligible men whom they employ to join the army. 

Let us show our fellow countrymen that Settle and District is ready and willing, as has always been the case in the past, to take up her share of the burdens of the country and to make her sacrifices at the call of King and Country. 

I intend, with the willing help of others, to visit each town and village in this district during the next two weeks, and I am endeavouring to arrange evening meetings in the villages where will be explained the causes of this great war and the need Britain has for all her men.

I hope at these meetings to get the names of many men who are willing to join me in this company. I hope also that many will write me direct at this address offering me their services.

I need scarcely add that any letter addressed to me will be answered fully and at once. 

Yours Truly

H.G. Tunstill

Otterburn

Bell Busk

September 3^rd 1914"