Only a week after he had gone through a course of Commando training, a keen Rushden Sportsman, Pte. Frank Reginald Elmer, of 131 Westfield Avenue, died on Sunday from injuries received at his station in the West of England.

In a letter to the parents an officer of the Pioneer Corps stated: “It may be some little consolation to know that he died while doing his duty - hard, useful work, far from spectacular, but vital to the welfare of the Army”.

Aged 34, Pte. Elmer was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Elmer, and was formerly secretary for two or three years to the Rushden Town Cricket Club, for whom he also played occasional games.  He also had a keen interest in Rushden Adult School, and was a member of the Athletic Club.  He joined the forces about 12 months ago from Messrs. John Cave and Sons, Ltd., where he had been employed since he left Newton Road School.

His father is still suffering from the effects of a head wound he received while with the Northamptonshire Regiment in France during the last War.

Burial at Rushden

Two lance-corporals from Pte. Elmer’s unit and four Home Guards walked in the cortege at Rushden on Thursday afternoon after the  Rev. T. S. Kee (minister of the Independent Wesleyan Church)  had conducted a service at the home.  The coffin was draped with the Union Jack.

The chief mourners were Mr. and Mrs. F. Elmer (father and mother), Mrs. E. Wadsworth and Miss B. Groome (grandmother and cousin), Mr. F. Elmer and Mrs. F. Parker (uncle and aunt), Mr. C. Elmer and Mrs. B. Bunker (uncle and cousin), Mr. S. Elmer and Mrs. H. Church, Mr. and Mrs. F. Shrives, Mr. and Mrs. S. Clarke (uncles and aunts).  Lance-corporal J. Brewster and Lance-corporal W. S. Foggo represented the deceased man’s unit.

Wreaths were as follows:-  Dear Reggie - Eternal rest is yours at last from this troubled world;  Ever in our thoughts - Mum, Dad, and Bessie;  A token of respect from the Officer, N.C.O.’s and Men;  Aunt Kate and family;  Mrs. Knight;  Aunt Emm, Uncle Horace and family;  Aunt Win, Uncle Stan, John and Marion;  Friend Minnie;  Aunt Mabel, Uncle Perce, Betty and John, Leeds;  Mrs. Homan and family;  Grandma;  Gordon Newitt, wife and little Jean;  Rushden Baptist Cricket Club;  Committee and members, Rushden Athletic Club;  British Legion;  Jess, Richard and Perce, Higham Ferrers;  Mr. and Mrs. Bryant and family;  Cousins Joan and Eric;  Secretary and members, Adult School;  Mr. and Mrs. F. Bradley;  Mr. and Mrs. Dickens, Gordon and Bobbie;  Neighbours Westfield and Boundary Avenue;  Pals at the Railway Hotel;  Old Pal Dick;  Aunt Sarah and Uncle George; Aunt Ede and family;  Uncle Ches, Audrey, Cliff and Bert;  Uncle Fred, Aunt Cis and family;  Uncle Fred, Aunt Gladys and Uncle Fred;  Mrs. Seamarks.