Heath and Reach, 1905 [Z1130/57/4]
Monday 9th August 1915: Most of the men who went to France with the first Expeditionary Force last August are now being given leave. There was surprise and celebration in Thomas Street, Heath and Reach this afternoon when Private Horace Pratt of the 1st Norfolk Regiment arrived home for a well-earned rest. When war was declared Private Pratt was with his regiment in Belfast but within days the 1st Norfolks were sent to France. He took part in the retreat from Mons about which he says “We were only five thousand strong, and it seemed as though we were up against the whole German Army”. Since then Private Pratt has been in and out of the trenches but surprisingly after a year at the Front has not seen any hand to hand fighting. He was close to Hill 60 and saw the German fortifications blown up and the valiant British charge but took no part in the fighting himself.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer 17 August 1915
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