Rushden Echo, 17th January 1919, transcribed by Kay Collins
Higham Ferrers Soldier’s Death
Pioneer W A Lovell in East Africa
Fatal Attack of Malaria and Dysentery
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Pioneer W A Lovell
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We much regret to record the death which took place in East Africa of Pioneer William Alfred Lovell, Telegraphist Signaller, Royal Engineers, aged 32, son of Mr Lovell, blacksmith, Higham Ferrers. Pioneer Lovell joined the Army nearly two years ago, and three months later was sent to East Africa, from which country he never returned. He wrote often to his friends, his letters being always cheerful and interesting. Since Armistice he contracted malaria, and later on dysentery set in.
A cable, several days delayed, arrived at his parents on January 4th stating that Pioneer Lovell was dangerously ill. Cable replies were sent off for further information, and another wire was received by Mr Lovell on January 11th stating that his son died on January 4th. This was within two days of his 33rd birthday.
As a lad the late soldier was a pupil teacher under Mr Hustwaite. Later on he went to Higham Ferrers Post Office and after about six months there he was transferred to Wellingborough, where he subsequently married and remained for 15 years, most of the time as Post Office telegraphist. He was much esteemed by his many friends at Wellingborough and Higham Ferrers. His brother Cyril, who had been out in East Africa about 18 months, was fortunate in meeting him on one occasion.
A letter dated September 17th 1918, sent by Pioneer Lovell to his parents, reached them after they had received the sad news of his death. In the course of the letter the writer says: “I believe I told you some time ago I had left Portuguese East. It was rather a trying time for me down there, being on the march every day for weeks, and not getting very good food, but I came through it all right. My chum and I were sent back to German East, quite a nice little journey by land and water, almost 800 miles. During our short stay in the hospital here we had a splendid time, and were looked after very well indeed. You know how your patients at the V.A.D. fare. Well, we fared very much the same. We are camped in Dodoma now, and having an easy time. Probably we shall be here for a month or more. I was here last Christmas. It is healthy, with lovely cool breezes in the morning and evening. What a devilish time we are going through. There seems to be trouble everywhere. I should think the war must end shortly. It looks as though I shall have to spend another Christmas out here.”
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