Suffering From Poison Gas
Rifleman Sidney Burgess (Fitzwilliam Arms, Chelveston), 4th Rifle Brigade, is one of the victims of German asphyxiating gas, and is at present in hospital at Cardiff.

Local Soldier Wounded - A Caldecott Steelback - Injured at Aubers Ridge
Mr and Mrs Joseph Knight, of 149, Cromwell-road, Rushden, have received news that their son Pte E Knight, of the Steelbacks, was wounded in the head and right arm on May 9th. The injured soldier, who was a militia man and resides at Caldecott when at home, fought throughout the Boer War, and came through that struggle unscathed. He was sent to the front at the commencement of the war and escaped injury until the battle of Aubers Ridge on May 9th. He is at present in hospital at Bristol.

Rushden Echo, 24^h March 1916, transcribed by Kay Collins

Chelveston Military Appeal – Women Workers for Farms

Yesterday at the Northants Appeal Tribunal, an appeal was made by the Military Representative against the granting by Thrapston Rural District Tribunal of a total exemption to Joseph Chas. Brittin, of Chelveston, a milker, milk seller, and engine manager, his point being that the circumstances did not warrant it.

Captain Cook (the military representative) said he did not wish to press the case.

Mr. A. J. Darnell (Messrs. Darnell and Price) appeared for Brittin.

Mr. Darnell said the farm held by respondent’s father was of 300 acres, of which 100 were arable. Respondent, his brother, a labour over military age, and a boy of 15 worked it. There were 25 cows to be milked every day and 40 head of other cattle. The respondent took the whole responsibility of the milk business.

Mr. Brittin, sen., said he had lost two men through the war. He did not know that any organised effort had been made in his district to get women to undertake dairy work. His son would have joined the Army a year ago but for the fact that he (the father) had an illness from which he had not thoroughly recovered.

The Tribunal decided that Brittin should have a certificate of exemption for two months. At the end of that period he will have a right of appeal to the Local Tribunal for an extension of time.

Mr. Darnell said that woman labour was hard to obtain around Chelveston, which was in a factory district.

A Farmer at Chelveston appealed at the Thrapston Tribunal on Wednesday for his son, aged 23, a horsekeeper. Exemption was granted until the end of the year.

WOUNDED – Mrs H Hinson (formerly of Chelveston), who is now residing with her mother, Mrs Cooper, at 27, Washbrook Road, Rushden, Has received a letter from her husband, Pte Harry Hinson, of the Essex Regt, to say that he has been wounded by shrapnel in the arm and face and is now in the 10th Stationary Hospital, France. The shell that caused his wounds killed two of his comrades who were standing nearby at the time. Pte Hinson, who enlisted in January last, has been in France eleven weeks. Before joining up he was employed by Messrs Adams Bros, boot manufacturers, Raunds.

Chelveston—The children of the day school have gathered over 400lbs. of blackberries for jam for the sailors and soldiers.

The Unveiling of the village War Shrine took place on Saturday, by the Mayoress of Higham Ferrers (Mrs T Patenall, M.B.E.), supported by the Mayor (Ald. T Patenall). On the platform were the Rev R C Law (Rushden), Mr Milner Gray, C.C., Mr W F Corby (Raunds), and Mr W H Lovell (Stanwick). The Rev H K Fry (Vicar) was unavoidably absent. There were also present Mrs H K Fry, Mrs W H Simpson, Mrs Mackenzie, Mrs Hancock (Stanwick), Mrs Lay. Prayer was offered up by the Rev R C Law, after which addresses were given by Ald. T Patenall and Mr Milner Gray. A vote of thanks was proposed to the Mayoress by Mr W Hanwell on behalf of the committee, seconded by Mr H Watts.

After the ceremony the wounded soldiers from Higam Ferrers V.A.D. were entertained in the schoolroom, where tea was provided by friends.

In the evening a dance took place, which was a great success. Songs were given by Miss Dora Clark, of Higham Ferrers, and Miss Mabel Wills, of Rushden, which were much appreciated. Music was provided by Mr R B Jephcote, of Rushden.

Competitions arranged by the children were as follows: Master Jack Watts, pocket wallet, realising £2 2s 0d., won by Mr Aubrey Newell; Misses Faith Holyoak, Kitty Barker and Alma Burditt, sugar, £1 10s 6d., won by Mrs Middleton; Miss Emmie Hanwell and Miss E Baxter, mystery box, 11s 2d.; Masters S Watts and F Eady, matches, 12s 0d., won by Mr O Holyoak; Masters G Watts and J Partridge, peas, 10s 6d.; Master A Wagstaff, mystery box, 9s 7d.; Misses Mabel Meadows and Edith Cole, jam, 7s 3d., won by Mr W R White. Altogether the day proved a great success, £22 being raised towards Chelveston soldiers and sailors Christmas parcels. The arrangements were ably carried out by Miss Elsie E Mayes (secretary), Miss Emmie Hanwell (treasurer), and the Misses Mabel Wilmott, Gladys E Pashler, Doris Chambers, Edie Dunkley, May Watts and Elsie Hinson (committee), who wish to thank all friends who in any way helped to make the day a success.