Rushden Research Group: Causebrook F C 1943

Information from Clive Wood, 2008

L/Cpl. Francis Charles Causebrook

7520270 R.A.M.C. 16 Mobile Bath Unit

Son of Mr Frank & Mrs Lily Causebrook Aged 23 years Died 31st August 1943 Commemorated at Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery Grave B1. B.10.
Evening Telegraph, Saturday, 21st March 1942, transcribed by John Collins Rushden Man Missing in Far East Formerly assistant to the Rushden Sanitary Inspector, Lance-Corporal Charles (Pete) Causebrook, who was also well-known in the locality as a swimmer and Rugby footballer, has been posted as “missing” as a result of the fighting in the Far East. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. F. Causebrook, of 2, Gordon-street, Rushden, received the news by letter on Thursday. Aged 22, Lance-Corpl. Causebrook joined the R.A.M.C. in October 1939, and as a result of his former occupation became attached to a mobile bath unit. Educated at Wellingborough Grammar School, he later became a member of the Wellingborough Town Rugby Football Club, and one of the Rushden Swimming Club. Mr. and Mrs. Causebrook have one other son.
Sept. 1935 news picture caption: Peter Causebrook, winner of the "Echo and Argus" Cup, after his victory at the Rushden S.C.'s gala. A son of Mr. Frank Causebrook, he is the best of the younger swimmers who train at the Station-road baths.
The Rushden Echo, 30th April, 1943, transcribed by Gill Hollis Anxiety Relieved - Young Rushden Sportsman is a Prisoner After waiting 13 months for news, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Causebrook, of 2, Gordon-street, Rushden, learned on Saturday that their elder son, L/Cpl. Francis Charles (Peter) Causebrook, of the R.A.M.C., is a prisoner of war at Malai Camp in the hands of the Japs. The information, confirmed by the International Red Cross, came from the R.A.M.C. Record Office. Aged 23, L/Cpl. Causebrook was a clerk in the office of the Rushden Sanitary Inspector before joining the Army in October, 1939. He became attached to a mobile bath unit, and on February 13 – two days before the fall of Singapore – cabled home to say that he had landed in Malaya. Educated at Wellingborough Grammar School, he was a popular member of the Wellingborough Town Rugby F.C., and of the Rushden Swimming Club.
Rushden Echo and Argus, 24^th December, 1943, transcribed by Gill Hollis His First Message Rushden War Prisoner In Far East The postman brought Mr. and Mrs. Frank Causebrook, of 1, Gordon-street, Rushden, the best Christmas present that they could have hoped for. It was a postcard from their son “Pete,” the first message received from him since he became a prisoner of the Japs in the Far East in March, 1942. Writing on February 21^st, 1943, L/Cpl. Francis Charles Causebrook said that he was a prisoner of war, quite safe and well, and hoped that everyone at home was all right. The card was signed “Pete.” Aged 23, L/Cpl Causebrook joined the R.A.M.C. in October, 1939, and as a result of his previous employment as clerk in the office of the Rushden Sanitary Inspector, became attached to a mobile bath unit. An old boy of the Wellingborough Grammar School, he later became a member of the Wellingborough Town Rugby Club and of the Rushden Swimming Club.

Extract from the Roll of Honour in "Memories of Wellingborough Grammar School" by D & G Tall

Francis Causebrook (WGS 1931-34) played for the school 1st XV. He joined the Royal Army Medical Corps when the war began and served in the Far East. He was taken prisoner by the Japanese in 1941 and died in a prison camp on the borders of Thailand (then called Siam) on 31st August 1943, aged 23. His death was not reported until after the war.

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