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Rushden Echo, 28th July 1944, transcribed by Kay Collins
Dickens

Patriotic Family


Mrs J Dickens, of 4, Trafford-road, Rushden, may be proud of having given four sons and one of her five daughters to H.M. Forces, while in addition two sons-in-law have lost their lives on military service.

The family record came to notice when information was received that the youngest son, Pte Clifford Dickens, had been wounded in the left arm while serving in Italy, and was in hospital there.

The eldest son is Pte William Edward Smith, R.A (35), now in France. He formerly worked for a firm of leather dressers at Higham Ferrers and his wife and three children live in Co-operative-row.

Sergt Harry Smith, R.A. (33) called up from the Territorials at the outbreak of the war, is in this country. He previously worked for Messrs Wm. Green and Son, and his wife resides at 120, Cromwell-road.

Note: The edge of the next column is in the binding of the volume, so partly unreadable.

Sergt. Eric Childs Dickens, Grenadier Guards (32), for ... Army, is in France. He [worked for] Messrs Fred Corby, leather [dressers] and was a member of .... Club. His wife lives in ....-street .

Pte Clifford Dickens .... been wounded, is next in .... years of age. He had [been in the] Army from the beginning [of the war] being called up with the .... and serving at Dun.... .... Malta through the .... .... Jerusalem and Italy, [was formerly] employed by Messrs John .... and was a member of the ... Men’s Club. His wife .... .... old daughter live in ....

The only daughter .... .... Pte Clarice Irene Dickens A.T.S. (21), with 2½ [years to her] credit. She is .... R.A.

The two sons-in-law [who have] given their lives are .... French, Paratroop Regt. [and ....] Dulcie Dickens, who .... .... manoeuvres in this country .... .... May, and Leading .... Wheeldon, Royal Navy .... Mabel Dickens, who .... .... action in June.

Mrs Dickens’ second ... ... two more daughters ... ... Cathie, complete the family.


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