Friday 27th December 1918

Billets at Morando

Pte. Arthur Clark (25164) (see 6^th December), who was on leave in England, had his leave extended to 10^th January.

2Lt. George Thomas Lotherington (see 20^th September 1917), who had been wounded on 27^th September 1917 whilst on attachment to 10DWR from the East Yorkshire Regiment, was promoted Lieutenant; he was serving with 4^th East Yorks.

Pte. George Holmes (10794) (see 3^rd May), serving in France with 9DWR, departed for England on two weeks’ leave; at the conclusion of his leave he would not return to France but would instead be demobilized.

In Bradford, Ann Hopkins, mother of Pte. Michael Hopkins MM (see 18^th July), serving in France with 29^th Battalion Durham Light Infantry, died.

The weekly edition of the Craven Herald reported news of the deaths of Ptes. William Summers Holmes (see 25^th October) and Squire Topham; (see 27^th October).

Steeton Soldier's Death 

Mrs. Wm. Summers Holmes, Silsden, has received word in a very touching letter from the assistant matron of the 29th Stationary Hospital, Italy, that her husband had died from influenza. Pte. Holmes joined the army on the 5th of August, 1914, and went with the 9th Dukes to Gallipoli and after service there was transferred to Egypt, then from Egypt to France, and from France to Italy. Although he had been in many battles he had never been wounded. Pte. Holmes leaves a widow and two little children. He is the son of the late Timothy Holmes, Aireview, Silsden. His brother, Pte. Nelson Holmes, was killed in 1915; another brother, Pte. Edgar Holmes, was wounded in the arm and has since been discharged.

Pte. William Summers Holmes

Eastburn Soldier Killed

Official information has reached the village that Pte. Squire Topham, of the Duke of Wellington's, third son of Mr. and Mrs. Topham, of Bradley, until recently of the Lyon, Eastburn, had been killed in action in Italy on October 28^th (sic.). The deceased who was 25 years of age, was very well known and especially in the district. He joined the colours during the first month of the war, Aug. 27, 1914. He went through the Gallipoli campaign where he suffered many hardships. He also served in France and lost his life during the last fortnight of the war in Italy. His last letter home contained the statement which every one who knew him hoped might be correct "I think I shall be alright now." The deceased has been twice wounded. He was in hospital in Scotland with dysentery and had had many narrow escapes. He was home on furlough last June. Before joining the colours he was employed at the Eastburn Foundry by Mr. Lund, as moulder, and was highly respected by his employer and fellow employees. His younger brother is also serving in the army.