The Wellingborough News Friday 15 January 1915, transcribed by Nicky Bates
Local War Items - Smashing the Prussian Guard
Pte Coleman, of New Wymington, Rushden, has been in the fighting from the beginning until about a month ago, when he was sent home ill. Talking of his experiences, he says the time of his life was when opposed to the Prussian Guard. The enemy were 2,500 strong, and the "Steelbacks" were only about 200. They attacked every half an hour or so, and several times nearly reached the trenches. But the "Steelbacks" kept up a continuous Maxim-gun fire, working in pairs, so that the Prussian crack regiment were lying in heaps of dead and wounded. They concluded with a counter bayonet charge at dusk, and without losing many men, inflicted terrific loss on the enemy. He explained that they were worked up to such a pitch of madness that they could not tell if they bayoneted anyone or not. He tells a terrible story of the depletion of the "Steelbacks". Only 113 of those with whom he went out remained when he left the regiment. The remainder of the 2,000 were killed, wounded, missing, or prisoners.
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The Rushden Echo Friday 19 November 1920, transcribed by Nicky Bates
In Memoriam
COLEMAN - In ever loving memory of our dear brother, Edward Charles Coleman, who died on active service in France, Aug. 17,1916.
Missed most by those who loved him best.
From his loving sister, brother, niece and nephew.
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