Rushden Echo & Argus, 16^th March 1945

Chelveston Man Killed - Sergeant Who Was Recently On Leave

Home on 11 days leave from the Western Front at the end of January, Sergt. Stanley Eric Odell, 4th Welsh Regiment, of Chelveston, is reported to have been killed in action during February. Aged 25 he is the husband of Mrs. Betty Odell, of St. Georges Row. They had been married for nearly four years and have a daughter, Penelope.

Sergt. Odell was the youngest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. J. Odell, and lived before the war with Mr. and Mrs. A. Odell, bakers, of Wellingborough-road, Higham Ferrers. He was a member of the Rushden St. Mary's Scouts for 16 years and was the Cubmaster at Chelveston before the war. A member also of the Rushden St. Mary's Institute, he played football for them. As a boy he was educated at the Rushden Newton-road School, and later was employed by Messrs. J. White Ltd.

Sergt. Odell had been in the Army for five years and went abroad for the first time when he went to France last year.

A memorial service was held in Chelveston on Sunday.

Rushden Echo & Argus, 16^th March 1945

Village Tribute to Dead Soldier
Mothering Sunday Service at Chelveston

A Mothering Sunday service at Chelveston Parish Church on Sunday evening was also the occasion of the first church parade of Scouts. Guides, Cubs and Brownies and of a memorial tribute to the late Sgt. Stanley E. Odell, who was killed on the Western Front. The church was practically filled.

The young people marched from the school, and the Mothers' Union attended in a body, three members in veils bearing the banner.

Sgt. Odell's favourite hymn, "Onward, Christian Soldiers," was sung, and the congregation stood in silent tribute. Mrs. C. A. Williams was the organist.

The Rev. C. A. Williams said that women had been called upon to do many things during the war and had done them with great efficiency. Their own sacred office of motherhood, however, was a unique privilege and a high service for God and mankind.

In reference to Sgt. Odell the Vicar read a letter received by the widow in which the commanding officer of the sergeant's battalion wrote: "His courage in action was an inspiration to his comrades." The Vicar said it was most fitting that the memorial service should be the occasion of a Scout parade, for Stanley Odell was himself a true Scout and leader of the Cubs at Chelveston before his enlistment. He was glad to serve the country, though hating the whole business of war, and made his communion on the Sunday before his death.

Saying that selfishness and hatred were deeper causes of war than Hitler, the Vicar spoke of the Scout movement as a universal brotherhood.