Sergt H Letts, 1/4 Northants, eldest son of Mr and Mrs William Letts of 23, Pemberton-street, Rushden, has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Up to the present his parents have not heard how the medal was won. Sergt. Letts was with the Palestine Forces under General Allenby, and was wounded at Damascus. Being sent back to Egypt to recuperate, he has latterly been taking charge of concert parties amongst the troops, organising Christmas festivities, etc. He himself is a capital vocalist and lady impersonator, being greatly in demand wherever he is known.
Pte. Frank Letts, Black Watch, brother of the sergeant, is home on ten days’ sick leave. He has served twice in the Army during the last German retreat on October 26th, 1918, the British having advances just beyond Valenciennes, the enemy signalled that they would let a number of French women pass through the lines if the British would leave an opening for the purpose. This was done, with all necessary precautions, and the French women began to arrive. All in time, however, it was observed that the Germans were themselves trying to get through behind the civilians. Lewis gunners were rushed forward to stop this treacherous act of the Germans. The enemy at once opened shell fire on the women most of whom were slaughtered. Luckily the enemy did not break through, the gap being held by the Lewis gunners, until the British infantry closed in again. We are pleased to state that Pte. Letts did splendid work in that temporary breach of the line without himself getting injured. For his share of the work he was awarded the Military Medal. The infantry having closed in, the Germans were driven out of the wood which was concealing them and their guns.
Another brother, Lance-Corpl. Fred Letts, 3/4 Northants, who was in the Territorials before the war, and was called up on August 6th, 1914, is serving in France. He was wounded at the Dardanelles.
A son-in-law of Mr Letts has been a prisoner of war in Germany, and another son-in-law is in the Navy at Nova Scotia.
|
