This volume of “Craven’s Part in the Great War” is a humble but sincere
expression on the part of Mr. Walter Morrison, of Malham Tarn, of the
gallant, heroic and self-sacrificing spirit shown by the sons of Craven
in resisting the unscrupulous, malignant and prearranged design of
Germany and her dupes to crush the British Empire and the civilised
countries associated with her. Mr. Morrison’s anxiety to commemorate
the part that Craven has played in the Great War, and to perpetuate
the memory of those who have fallen or been otherwise stricken, found
its solution in October, 1916, when, at a meeting at Mr. Morrison’s
“mountain home” on Malham Moor, a board of trustees to see to the
carrying out of the work was formed, consisting of Mr. Morrison (who
has generously defrayed the entire cost), Col. John Birkbeck, J.P.,
Settle, and Mr. Thomas Brayshaw, J.P., solicitor, Settle. The task,
which has entailed three years’ hard work in compiling what may,
without egotism, be termed a unique record, was entrusted to Mr. John
T. Clayton, editor of the “_Craven Herald_,” who has had the valued
assistance of Mr. Brayshaw and his extensive local knowledge of the
Craven district.
Everything that assiduous care and attention to detail could suggest
has been done to make the record complete so far as the Skipton
Parliamentary Division is concerned, and we are confident that the
volume will be treasured as an honoured heirloom in every family whose
representative has done his share in freeing our beloved Empire from
the slavery of German hatred and military aggression.