News reached Rushden Parents on Monday Night

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Thomas Bates of 73, Harborough-road, Rushden, received news from the Admiralty on Monday night that their son, Wireman Reginald Stanley Bates, is missing, presumed killed.

Wireman Bates joined the Service on December 3rd, 1940, and had only been a few months with the ship, which was his first.

Aged 21, he celebrated his birthday last month. Formerly employed by the Rushden Central Electric Company, he has five brothers, two of whom are serving, one being in the Pioneer Corps and the other in the Inniskilling Fusiliers. His father served in the last war.

A native of Rushden, he was educated at the Newton-road School. He was a keen sportsman and had played football for junior teams in the town. He formerly attended the Baptist Sunday School.

The same item is in the Rushden Echo 30th May 1941 with the headline:

Rushden Sailor Presumed Killed When Battle Cruiser Blew Up

an additional sentence:-

The loss of the “Hood” in action against the German warship “Bismarck” near Greenland was announced last Saturday.