Friday 25th December 1914

Tunstill’s Company celebrated Christmas Day, as reported in the words of Lance Corporal William Oldfield (see 24^th December):

GRASSINGTON PALS’ THANKS

A Hearty Letter

Lance Corporal William Oldfield of the ‘A’ Company, 10^th Battalion Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, Oudenarde Barracks, Marlborough Lines, Aldershot, writing on Christmas Day to the Editor of the “Craven Herald” says:

“Kindly allow me a little space in your valuable paper to thank, on behalf of the Grassington Pals in the Duke of Wellington’s – about 18 in number – Mr. James Boothman of Burnsall – one of our lads who had the misfortune to be discharged – for the goose you kindly and willingly sent us; also all the ladies and gentlemen of Grassington and district who supplied us with mince pies, cake, cigarettes etc.

Through the kindness of the caretaker of the Soldiers’ Home at North Camp we all sat down to an excellent dinner at the above-mentioned home at half past seven on Christmas Eve. The goose was excellently cooked, along with a roast of pork and, served with vegetables and potatoes, provided a splendid repast for those fortunate to be present. I can assure you that the ‘bhoys in blue’ (reference to the ‘Kitchener Blue’ uniforms still being worn by the men) did ample justice and rendered a good account of themselves.

After dinner, fruit and smokes were handed round and the proceedings were presided over by Pte. C.J. Kelly, who filled the post admirably.

Today being Christmas Day we all attended Church parade. We have all been very busy decorating our ‘hut’, which, now it is finished, looks very well indeed and we are all having a right good old fashioned dinner. We are each one entering into it with a right good spirit and we hope to show the remainder of the Company that the country lads of Grassington appreciate the kindness shown towards them by their officers at this festive season.

I must not forget to mention that all the men in the Company, through the kindness of Lieut. And Mrs. Tunstill, have had a present of a very useful nature.

All our lads join me in wishing every reader of your paper a very prosperous New Year and all are hoping to render a good account of themselves when the opportunity presents itself and so keep up the grand traditions of the regiment to which we have the honour to belong.

I am yours sincerely

LANCE CORPORAL WILLIAM OLDFIELD