Rushden Soldier Brothers
Narrow Escape of Pte. W. Gibbs - Pte. A. Gibbs Suffered From Frostbite

Mr. and Mrs. James Gibbs, of 66, Cromwell-road, Rushden, have received the following letter from their son, Pte. W. Gibbs, of the 2nd Northamptonshire Regiment, now serving at the front, and written under date Dec. 15th:

“I had a very narrow shave the other day. A German fired at me and hit my rifle, smashing it and cutting my sling just in front of my hand, but all I got was my face full of dirt if he had been straight in front of me instead of being just on my right when he fired, he would have been bound to hit me. He deserved to hit me, for he was all the time sending bullets into my loophole.

Continuing, Pte. Gibbs asks for a wooden pipe, a shut knife, a belt and gloves, and Mrs. Gibbs informs us that these things have been forwarded to him, together with other warm articles of clothing. He wishes all a happy Christmas and mentions that he is having a rest, which he thinks he deserves, as “it is hard work pulling about in the mud in the trenches after so much wet.”

Another son of Mr. and Mrs. James Gibbs, viz., 8708 Pte. A. Gibbs, Northamptonshire Regt., has also been serving at the front, and on Tuesday midday a letter was received from the Infantry Record Office, Warley, saying that he had been admitted into hospital suffering from frostbite on Nov. 21st.

Mrs. Gibbs had previously received a postcard dated Dec. 17th from this son on which he said he was all right, and that a letter would follow. No letter has yet been received and Mrs. Gibbs would be grateful for any information concerning her son should this meet the eye of any of his comrades who can inform her where he is. We publish a photograph of Pte. A. Gibbs herewith.

The death took place in sad circumstances yesterday week of me Arthur James Gibbs, son of Mr and Mrs J Gibbs, and husband of Mrs A J Gibbs, of 66 Cromwell road, Rushden. The deceased had been a time-serving soldier, having joined the 2nd Northants about 13 years ago. He was in Egypt when war broke our, and came over to France and took part in the Mons retreat. He was wounded on three different occasions and came home on leave. On February 5th, 1918, he was badly gassed and was sent to England as a bombing instructor. He also suffered a nervous breakdown before his demobilisation from the Army less than a year ago. As a result of his breakdown in health he was able to work only seven weeks, being employed by Messrs. C W Horrell and Son, Ltd. Death took place from tuberculosis which is believed to have had its origin in the gassing.

The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon at the Cemetery, the Rev C J Keeler officiating. The mourners were: Mr J Gibbs (father); Mrs Gibbs (widow); Mrs J Gibbs (mother); Mr E Gibbs (brother); Miss E and Miss F Gibbs (sisters); Miss D Gibbs (sister); Mrs Barnes (aunt); Mrs Facer (aunt); Mrs Robinson (mother-in-law); Mr and Mrs R Barber (uncle and aunt); Mr J Facer (cousin); Mr S Robinson (brother-in-law); Mr R and Mr F Church (friends). Messrs. Whittington and Tomlin were the undertakers.

Mrs A J Gibbs (widow) and Mr and Mrs Gibbs (parents) desire to express their deepest thanks to all the many kind friends who have shown sympathy with them in their sad bereavement.