Son of Mr John S and Mrs Louisa Archer
Aged 20 years
Died 4th March 1917
Commemorated at Fins New British Cemetery, Sorel-Le-Grand, Somme, France
Grave VII. B.16
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| Born and enlisted at Rushden. |
The Rushden Echo, 20th April 1917, transcribed by Kay Collins
Soldier Brother Killed - Rushden Parents’ Second Bereavement – Private Roland Archer
News has been received officially by Mr and Mrs John Archer, of 44, Roberts-street, Rushden, that their second son, Pte. Roland Archer, 19636, Northants Regt., aged 20, was killed in action on March 4th.
Pte. R. A. Archer enlisted on June 19th, 1916, and went out to France in the following October, and formerly worked for Messrs G. Selwood & Co., Rushden.
The other son of Mr and Mrs Archer, Lance-Corpl. F. J. Archer, was killed on September 26th last year, as reported in the “Rushden Echo” and he also worked for Messrs. Selwood & Co. The latter have sent a beautiful letter of sympathy to the parents of the two lost brothers, and all readers will sympathise with Mr. and Mrs. Archer in their double bereavement.
The letter from Messrs Geo. Selwood & Co. Was as follows:
“Dear Mr. and Mrs. Archer, The principals and employees of the firm wish to extend to you their deepest sympathy in the great bereavement you are called upon to bear in the loss of your second son. Both your sons were held in high esteem by their employers and fellow-workment, and it has come as a great shock to the firm on each occasion of the sad news. We trust you will be given the required strength and courage to rise above the great trial you have been so suddenly called upon to bear. It is a consolation to know they gave their lives for their country in a noble cause and died as heroes.”
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 Kettering Leader, April 20 1917, transcribed by Clive Wood
Two Rushden Brothers killed
The deepest sympathy will be extended to Mr and Mrs John Archer, of 44 Robert-street, Rushden, in the double bereavement they have sustained by the death in action of their only two sons. The elder son, Lance-Corpl F J Archer, 6th Northamptons, was killed on September 26th, and the second boy, Pte R A Archer, 19636, 2nd Northamptons, was killed on March 4th. The only intimation the bereaved parents have received concerning Pte Archer was the official notification from the War Office, and anxiously appeal to officers or comrades of their son to send them details of his death. Both their boys worked for Messrs G Selwood and Co., Rushden from whom a letter of sympathy has been received. Pte Archer, who was 20 years of age enlisted on June 19th 1915, and went to France on October 18th. |
| From the Burnt Records, Peter Inns & Kay Collins
Roland Alfred Archer, son of John & Louisa Archer of 44 Roberts Street, enlisted on 3rd December 1915 as a reserve with the Northamptonshire Regiment. He was 5' 9" tall and weighed 145 pounds, with a chest 38" (3" expansion). He joined the 8th Battalion on 20th June 1916, then the 3rd Battalion on the 3rd November 1916. He went to France on 18th October 1916.
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