County Cricketer - Obtains His Commission

Mr. Don Denton, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. George Denton, of Eastfields, Rushden, has obtained his commission, and is now attached to the West Kents, stationed at Oxted, in Surrey. Mr. Denton leaves for his regiment to-morrow (Saturday).

He is a younger brother of the famous cricketing twins, J. S. and W. H. Denton, and has himself played for the Northants County Club.

Rushden Argus, 27^th July 1917, transcribed by Kay Collins

Rushden Officer Loses a Leg
We are deeply sorry to learn that Second Lieut. “Don” Denton, youngest son of Mr. G. Denton, “Eastfields,” Rushden, has been wounded while fighting on the Western front. The family received a wire on Monday giving the bare facts. On Tuesday morning they received a letter from the gallant young soldier himself stating that he has lost his leg below the knee. The letter is typical of Lieut. Denton, being very cheery, and it expresses the hope that he will be in England this week. Apparently the young officer received his wound a few days after returning to France from “leave,” for he states that he had the operation about a fortnight ago. Lieut. Denton is the youngest of four brothers at present serving their country. He was a very promising cricketer, playing sensational cricket for the Northants County XI, before the war. He was also an all-round sportsman, and was to be a master at his old school—Wellingborough School. The deepest sympathy will be felt for the parents.

Lieut. A. D. Denton, of Rushden, was amongst the players in a cricket match on the Wellingborough Grammar School ground last Friday, M.C.C. v. Wellingborough School. The handicap of an artificial leg has in no wise damped his keenness for sport. Unfortunately the match had to be abandoned on account the weather. The players also included J. T. Hearne, the well-known Middlesex International.