The Rushden Branch of the National Federation of Discharged and Demobilised Sailors and Soldiers spent a very enjoyable evening at the Queen Victoria Hotel Rushden, on Friday when the branch partook of a capital dinner, and enjoyed a smoking concert. The Rev. Ion Carroll presided and supporting him were Councillor F. Knight J.P. Councillor J. Tomlin, Mr. R. Smith and Mr. F. Elmer (secretary of the branch)

After the meal had been thoroughly enjoyed Mr. R. Smith gave the toast of “The King” which was loyally honoured. The Chairman then mentioned that he was in the position of their esteemed president (Mr. James Hyde) who was unable to attend.

Mr. G. Pearson presented the health of “The Host and Hostess” in felicitous terms. Mr. and Mrs. Evans were always ready to do what they could for ex-soldiers. They would do anything they could to further the happiness of the dear boys who had done so much for their country.

The Rev. Ion Carroll then gave “The Health of the Boys”. He spoke from the bottom of his heart when he expressed his appreciation of the wonderful feats of endurance accomplished by the “boys” in their fight for freedom and right. He had got into trouble for calling them “saints” but they had borne one another’s burdens and some had laid down their lives for their friends and that was Christianity. That was the way to become saints. He believed that all men who answered the call were saints for the time being. They had to keep clear before the mind of the nation what they had done. Proceeding, he hoped that they would make that dinner an annual event and have also a summer outing as such social gatherings tended to keep alive the splendid comradeship the men acquired on service (Applause)

Mr. F. Elmer, in reply, appealed for added interest in the Federation by the members. Many who thought they had nothing to trouble about did not take the interest they ought to and he reminded them of their comrades who were not so well placed as they were. The officials could do nothing without the solid support of the members.

Councillor F. Knight J.P., chairman of the Rushden Council, then performed a very interesting presentation of Military Cross to Regimental Sergeant Major Marsden of Rushden. In doing so, he said he was proud of the privilege and the town was proud of the fact that the Cross had been won. He hoped the Major would have a long and prosperous life to enjoy the distinction he had won in the field at Gallipoli and Palestine. Everyone was proud of him and on behalf of the town he made the presentation of the Cross and with it the town’s congratulations. (Applause)

Mr. Knight proceeded to make a very strong appeal to the discharged and demobilised men to support the Federation. Governments and people had short memories but he hoped that the time would never come when the nation would forget the services rendered by the soldiers and sailors for them at home. (Applause)

He referred to the sad fact that Rushden had lost 400 of its gallant sons and a very large number of the 2,500 men who joined up had returned maimed and broken. He hoped they would rally round the Federation, for they had only to band themselves together to make their voices effective. It should not have been necessary for them to have a Federation but it was, and would be more and more necessary as time went on. In conclusion he wished them long life and that a generous country would look after their interests.

The Rev. Ion Carroll mentioned that the membership of the branch was 150 out of 2,500 who left to fight. That was not enough and he thought all members should make up their minds to get a few of their comrades to join the Federation.

During the evening some capital songs were given by Mr. S. Weekley, Mr. J. Coleman and Mr. T. Smith and Mr. W.C. Taylor entertained the company with some card manipulation.