We sincerely regret to report that Mr and Mrs William Bettles, of 25 Little Street, Rushden have sustained a double bereavement through the loss of two of their soldier sons, the news concerning both coming practically at the same time. One son, the fourth viz., Pte Frederick Bettles, of the Rushden Company, 2nd Battalion Northants Volunteers, passed away at Northampton Hospital on Wednesday evening, having been taken there on Tuesday evening this week by order of Dr Greenfield. He had been in failing health for about three weeks, but nothing serious was suspected until last Saturday and Sunday when paralysis settled in, and on Wednesday about 9 p.m. he passed away at the age of 17½ years. Before joining the volunteers the late Pte Frederick Bettles, was a member of the 1st Rushden Troop of Boy Scouts. The cause of his death is at present unknown. The funeral will take place to-morrow (Saturday) at Rushden Cemetery at 3.15.

Mr and Mrs Bettles, have also received a letter from Lance-Corpl R Pettit, of the Beds Regiment to say that their second son, Pte Arthur Bettles, of the Beds regiment, was killed in action in France on November 3rd. Lance-Corpl Pettit writes: "It is with great difficulty that I am trying to scribble a few lines to let you know the sad news of your son Arthur. It was while we were making an attack, a shell dropped near to him and he was killed instantly. I wasn't near him myself, but a pal of his told me, so you can take it as granted. It is a very great loss to the gun team, and also the platoon, because he was so well known and liked by everyone. All the boys wish me to send their deepest sympathy with you."

The late Pte Arthur Bettles, who as 23 years of age, joined up voluntarily at the outbreak of war, and had been in France altogether about two years and nine months. Twelve months last July 10th he was wounded at the battle of Trones Wood, and was then sent to hospital at Liverpool for a time. Returning to the front he escaped further injury until the day he met his death. Before enlistment he was employed by Messrs. Robinson, boot manufacturers, Rushden. Mr and Mrs Bettles have another son serving with the Colours, viz., Pte Corrie Bettles, of the Beds Regiment, who is in Egypt. Another Pte Walter Bettles, of the Surrey Yeomanry is at present stationed at Woodbridge, Suffolk, and is expecting to go abroad with the next draft almost immediately.

The Funeral of the late Pte Fredk Bettles, of B Company, 2nd Battalion, Northants Volunteers, son of Mr and Mrs William Bettles, of 25 Little street, Rushden, took place at the cemetery on Saturday afternoon in the presence of many sympathisers. The obsequies were conducted by the Rector (the Rev PE Robson). The coffin, of polished elm, with brass fittings, bore the inscription:

The coffin was borne to the grave by six of the deceased's volunteer comrades, under Sergt W Steele, and others of the Rushden company, under Lieut (acting Captain) G R Turner and Sergt Major Beardsmore, acted as guard of honour. The mourners comprised Mr and Mrs W Bettles (father and mother), Mrs A Robinson (aunt), Mrs W Robinson (aunt), Mrs J Smith (aunt), and Mrs B Smith (aunt). A number of beautiful floral tributes were placed on the grave as follows:

To our dear boys, Fred and Arthur, from their loving mother, father and family.

"Gone but not forgotten" From Aunt Betty and Aunt Carrie in loving memory of Fred; also Arthur, who was killed in action on November 3rd 1917. "Greater love hath no man"

In loving memory from Uncle Jim, Aunt Lizzie and family. In affectionate remembrance from Uncle Bernard and Aunt Emily.

In loving memory from Aunt Florrie (Kettering) "Both God and man hath found him well and truly tried."

In loving memory of Fred and Arthur, from Madel, Alice and Maud.

With love and sympathy from Aunt Lil and cousins Ada, Sally and Lil (Harborough road).

In remembrance from officers, NCOs and men of the Rushden B Co., 2nd Battalion Northants Volunteer Regiment.

To dear Fred and Arthur, from a friend.

In loving memory of Fred and Arthur, from Mrs J Litchfield and family.

Mr and Mrs Bettles and family desire to express their sincere thanks to all who have so kindly sent expressions of sympathy with them in the sore bereavement they have sustained by the death of their two sons Arthur and Fred.