Aged 25 years

Died 28^th April 1917

Commemorated on Vimy Memorial

Rushden Echo, 8^th June 1917

Town Councillor’s Sad Loss
“A Dangerous Job” – “A Splendid Soldier”

Ir is with utmost regret that we report that Councillor John Pack, of Higham Ferrers, has suffered bereavement by the death in action on the Western front of his youngest son, Pte. Harry Pack, of the Canadian Contingent.

The first news that Mr. Pack received leading him to think that something untoward had happened to his son was a fortnight ago, a chum of the deceased soldier writing that Pte. Pack had been wounded in the arm and was seen making his way out. The late Pte. Pack’s friend writes:-

“I can honestly say that Harry was the best pal I ever had, and was well liked by everyone who knew him. He was a company runner, which is a dangerous job, as the runners are exposed to fire very much, but he did his duty every time he was called upon, and although there are a good many temptations over here I know that Harry lived a clean life and you may be sure I regret his death very much, and extend to you, his father, brothers and sisters, my deepest sympathy.

A later letter received from the captain read:- “It is with sincere regret that I have to tell you of the death of your son, Pte. Harry Pack. He was killed during the attack on the German positions on April 28^th. We have had him marked as missing in the Battalion until a short time ago, when we received word from the – Canadian Infantry Battalion that they had found his body, and buried him near ---. He was a splendid soldier, and was acting as headquarters-runner at the time. The officers, N.C.Os, and men join with me in expressing their deepest sympathy with you in your great loss. The action was such as to make it very difficult to keep track of casualties, which I think you understand.”

The late Pte. Pack was 25 years of age, and left England for Canada three years last April, and upon his arrival there he took up farming. He enlisted in the Canadian Contingent about a year ago, and went to France last November, after spending six days at Higham Ferrers with his father.

He served his apprenticeship in the boot trade with Mr. H. R. Patenall, and immediately prior to proceeding to Canada he was employed by Mr. Barker, of Earls Barton.

As a lad he was a member of the Higham Wesleyan Boys’ Brigade.

Much sympathy is felt throughout the Borough with councillor Pack in his great trial.