Death of an Old Territorial

It is with regret that we record the death from heart disease of Mr William Matthews Denton, aged 36, which took place suddenly on Saturday at 60, Cromwell road, Rushden. Deceased was very well known in Rushden and extremely popular with many friends. He was a member of the Athletic Club. One of the Old Territorial Army, Mr Denton enlisted in 1904. He was at camp on the outbreak of war, and was sent as a corporal with the 4th Northants to Gallipoli in July, 1915. He was invalided home in December of the same year, and after recovering went to France eleven months later. He took part in a good deal of fighting and was wounded in the German push of April, 1918, as a result of which he came to England. Again being considered fit for service, he went to France in October 1918, and did not return until about a year ago when he was demobilised. He was the holder of several service decorations, including the Territorial Force Efficiency Medal. The deceased had never a day's illness from boyhood until the war. The rigors of service in the Army on the Peninsular and in France brought on heart disease, and since his demobilisation he has not been able to do any work for more than a few weeks at a time. He died as he sat on his bed on Saturday. Deceased leaves a widow and five little children with who much sympathy has been expressed. The funeral took place at Rushden cemetery on Wednesday, the Rector (Rev. R E Robson) officiating. Messrs. Whittington and Tomlin were the undertakers. Mrs Denton desires to express her deepest thanks to the kind friends who collected for her and to all who have sent messages of sympathy, also for the beautiful wreaths.