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The Rushden Echo and Argus, 26th January, 1945
Gallant Service in Navy
Mission Bandsman Mentioned in Despatches
 “Outstanding service while operating with the Allied armies in Italy” has won a mention in dispatches for Acting Leading Seaman Jeffrey Bryan Billingham, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Billingham, 14, Victoria-road, Rushden.
Gunner on a torpedo boat, L/S Billingham is still in the Mediterranean after a long spell of duty there, and has not been home for 21 months. He joined the Navy in December, 1941, and both of his brothers are now in uniform – Derek with the R.A.O.C. in Holland and Tony with N.A.A.F.I.
Now aged 22 years, he used to work at the Higham Ferrers Co-operative Society’s butchery shop, played the euphonium in Rushden Mission Band, and sang in the Adult School Male Voice Choir. As a lad he was in the Baptist Boys’ Brigade |
