Rushden Soldier Victim - A Birthday in the Trenches

We regret to report that Mr and Mrs W Crossley, of 20, Washbrook-road, Rushden, have received official news of the death in action on the Western Front of their youngest son, Lce-Corpl Alfred Crossley of the Northants Regt, on October 25th.

The late Lce-Corpl Crossley was 25 years of age and had seen about 18 months service with the colours, as he enlisted on April 6th, 1915. He had been in France 16 months, when he met his death, but although he fought in practically all the big engagements, he had come through without a scratch until October, 25th. Exactly a week prior to his death he had celebrated his 25th birthday in the trenches.

Up to the time of his enlistment he was employed by Messrs. Jas Hyde Ltd. He was a member for several years of the Trades' Club at Rushden, and also of the Higham Ferrers Athletic Club, in which connection he served on the committee.

As a youth he was a member of the Rushden Church Lads' Brigade, and at one time he played with the High Ferrers Town Band.

Mr and Mrs Crossley have two other sons in the army - Gunner Joseph Charles Crossley, of the RFA, who is at present stationed at Luton, and Pte Arthur Crossley, who is on service in France with the motor transport.