Aged 19 years

Died 10th November 1916

Commemorated at Dernancourt Communal Cemetery Extension
Grave IV. A. 29.

Higham Ferrers War Victim — A Double Bereavement
A Rushden Boot Operative

We publish this week a portrait of the late Private B. Dawes, Royal Berkshire Regt., son of Mrs. Fleming, of Wellingborough-road, Higham Ferrers. Pte. Dawes, who was 20 years of age, died of wounds received in the Battle of the Ancre. Before joining the Colours on the outbreak of war he worked at Messrs. B. Denton & Son's boot factory at Rushden. Wounded on July 1st 1916, he was home on leave six weeks afterwards.

Deceased received his wounds on the day that his younger brother (aged 16 years) was killed on the Somme battlefield.

In a letter to Mrs. Fleming, the sister-in-charge of the hospital says that deceased was severely wounded internally. Everything possible was done for him; he was unconscious of pain, and too ill to leave a message. He was buried near the hospital. The sympathy of the King and Queen was sent to Mrs. Fleming.

The Mayor (Alderman T. Patenall), on hearing the sad news, sent the bereaved mother the following letter:-

"Dear Mrs. Fleming - I am extremely grieved to hear that another of your sons has given his life for our King and Country, and I beg to offer you my sincere sympathy and also the sympathy of the town it is my honour ro represent. We feel very sad that so many of our bright, noble, brave boys, boys whom we love, and are so full of promise, have to lay down their life for honour, truth and liberty; and while we know it is a glorious sacrifice to make, we cannot help deeply mourning their loss. I do pray that Divine strength may be given you, and that you will realize the tender feeling with which we all regard your double sorrow.

"Last night, when the news came to me, we were packing up the Christmas parcels for the Boys at the Front, and it was with sorrow that your boy's parcel had to be placed aside. I wonder if you would care to have it. If you would I should be so glad to know and send it to you: will you kindly let the bearer know, or send to me.

"He has passed to a glorious reward, having surrendered his all in what we feel is the cause of "right," and therefore God's Cause. We believe his reward will be that of the faithful servant. May you receive all that grace and comfort that you need in this great sorrow.

"With deepest sympathy,
Yours sincerely,
Thos. Patenall"