George Henry PERRETT

25 August 1916

SKIPTON MEN WOUNDED

Private G.H. Perrett, of the 21st West Yorks, son of Mr. Perrett, station master, Bell Busk, has been wounded in France by being shot through the left knee by a sniper and is now lying in hospital at Cambridge.

08 February 1918

BELL BUSK SOLDIER KILLED

Private G. H. Perrett, of the West Yorkshires, was killed in action on January 31st. He was the second son of Mr. Perrett, stationmaster, Bell Bunk. In civil life he was clerk at the Otley Midland Station, having previously been employed in similar positions at Gargrave and Bell Busk. His Company Officer states that he was a splendid fellow in every way, always trustworthy, and most willing and steady under fire, and that he had every confidence in him.

An impressive service was held over him by the Army Chaplain, attended by most of the officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the Company. He leaves behind him a wide circle of friends.

The following letters have been received:–

West Yorkshire Regiment
B.E.F., France,
Thursday, January 21st 1918.

“Dear Mr. Perrett, – It is with much regret that I have to tell you of the death of your son, Private G. H. Perrett, killed in action this morning by the explosion of a shell. I know what a very great shock and great loss this will be to you, for he must have been a most devoted son of whom you had every reason to feel proud. He was a splendid fellow in every way, always most trustworthy and willing, and I had very great confidence in him. I had the honour of being his Company Officer during practically the whole of his Army life, and for several months past he acted as my orderly. I may say that our great loss is shared by every officer, non-commissioned officer and man in this Company.

“Your poor son was buried this afternoon in a British Cemetery close to where he fell, and our chaplain conducted the service, and a large number of his comrades gathered round his last resting place. A wooden cross will be erected very shortly to his memory.

“Your son’s personal effects will eventually reach you through the usual military channels, and I do hope there be no undue delay.

“If there is anything I can do for you in any way please let me know.

“Please allow me, on behalf of every member of this company, to offer you our deepest sympathy in your very great sorrow. I remain, Yours very faithfully, SYDNEY J. BRAZIER, Capt.”

West Yorkshire Regiment, France.
31st January 1918.

“Dear Mr. Perrett, – It is with the greatest regret that I have to inform you that your son, Pte. G. Perrett, was killed this morning while on his way to work.

“The enemy sent over a small salvo of shells and one of them hit your son in the chest, killing him instantly. He could not have felt any pain. He was one of my best men, and was always steady under fire. I am very sorry indeed to have lost him. That he was taken from us before the object of our Country’s fighting could be achieved is to be regretted, but he has given his life for a great and just cause, which we may be proud. With this thought I will close, again expressing my deepest sympathy with you in your great sorrow. Yours very truly, GLEN W. MAYO.”