Rushden Echo, 14th April 1916, transcribed by Kay Collins
Rushden Lads’ Appeal to the Rector of St Mary’s
Proposed Memorial Service for Fallen Soldiers
Touching Letter from The Front
To the Editor of the “Rushden Echo”
The Rectory, Rushden.
Dear Sir,—I should be much obliged if you would kindly give publicity to the following letter, which I have received from a number of our lads now serving at the front. You will see from the letter that I have no other means of replying to it except through your columns. The letter is as follows:
To the Rev. P. Robson.
Dear Sir,—Just a little introduction. We are four Rushden fellows in the Northamptonshire Regiment. Of course, you know that we have lost a terrible lot in all the Battalions during this cruel, but just and holy war, a number amongst them being Rushden men, and young fellows. We read some time ago of a memorial service held at St. Mary’s Church for the R.W.F.’s and Herefords who fell in action at the Dardanelles, and we are writing these few lines asking you if you could possibly and kindly arrange another service for the men who have fallen in action, and who have so gallantly upheld the honour of the Northamptonshire Regiment. We shall look forward to the “Rushden Echo” every week until we read an account of the service. Trusting and hoping we shall not be disappointed,
We remain,
Yours sincerely,
Four or Five “Steelbacks.”
I at once hasten to reply to this nicely worded, rather touching appeal. I shall be only too glad to hold such a service and I am grateful to these lads for suggesting it. I believe it will be a comfort not only to them, but to all at home who are mourning the loss of some soldier.
I propose to hold the memorial service on the Sunday after Easter.
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