Rushden Soldier Missing - Private L Groom Reported Killed

Regarding their son, 20354, Pte L Groom (Northants Regt.), Mr and Mrs R Groom, 24 Washbrook-road, Rushden, have had conflicting reports. News received at the "Rushden Echo" office a week or two ago, that Pte Groom was missing, but his parents heard nothing of the rumour. Last Monday, however, they received official news that their son had been posted as missing from Aug. 17th. It is five weeks since they received a field card from their son. A fortnight ago, feeling some anxiety they wrote to his platoon officer, and on Wednesday had the following reply: "At the time of your son's death, I was in another company, but I have made enquires, and the details I have gathered are - your son was killed on the 16th on the German parapet but by a German bullet, and I assure you he died a soldier's death."

Mr and Mrs Groom, who are greatly troubled owing to these conflicting reports would be grateful for any further news.

Pte Groom enlisted on Aug. 9, 1916, and would be 18 years of age next Oct. 14th. He was employed by Messrs. Crick and Patenall, and was a member of the volunteers.

Rushden Soldier Missing - Private L Groom News Wanted

The War Office report that Private L Groom, 20354, Northants Regt., son of Mr and Mrs R Groom, 24 Washbrook-road, Rushden, is missing. The platoon officer, however, writes:- "At the time of your son's death I was in another company, but I have made inquiries, and the details I have gathered are - Your son was killed on August 16 on the German parapet, but by a German bullett (sic), and I assure you he died a soldier's death."

Mr and Mrs Groom, who are greatly troubled owing to these conflicting reports, would be grateful for any further news.

Pte Groom was 17 years old.

Rushden Victim of the War - Pte Albert Edward Groom killed - "Behaved Splendidly During a Trying Time" - A Brother Missing

We regret to report that Mr and Mrs R Groom, of 24, Washbrook-road, Rushden, have suffered bereavement through the war. They have received official news that their eldest son, 34642 Pte Albert Edward Groom, of the Suffolk Regt., was killed in action on April 26th. Another son, Pte Laurence Groom, of the Northants Regt., has been missing from his unit since August 17th last year, as reported in the "Rushden Echo" at the time.

The late Pte A E Groom, who was 20 years of age, joined the Colours about twelve months ago, and went to France on November 1st last year. Although he had fought in most of the big battles on the Western front during the time he had been out there, he had escaped all injury until the day on which he met his death.

Particulars of Pte Groom's death are sent by Pte G Coleman of Sartoris-road, Rushden who writes under date May 27th:-

"I am sorry to say that he got buried alive. He was immediately dug out, buy I am sorry to say that he was dead, and all hopes of saving his life were lost. But there is One Who knows all, and I hope He will comfort you in all your distress. Should it be God's will to save me and bring me through this war and let me come back to dear old Rushden to see all my friends, and above all you, I will tell you the full story of it".

In another letter, Pte Coleman writes: "We (the section) send you our deepest sympathy in the loss of your son Albert, as he as a great pal to all in his section, and I can say that he will be missed, too. I hope God will comfort you in your distress."

Lieut W Allum, the deceased soldier's commanding officer, writes:-

"I have wanted to write to you for some days with regard to the sad death of your son, Pte Groom, on April 26yth, but have had no opportunity. Your son was in my platoon and after the fighting we had gone through since the Easter Monday we were holding a new trench and being subjected to very heavy shelling from the enemy. It was during this period that he was unfortunately killed by a shell. His death must have been instantaneous, so he suffered very little pain. I am very sorry indeed that he was killed, as he was a very good chap and had been with me for a long time. Again expressing my sympathy with you in your loss, believe me to be, yours sincerely, Wm J Allum, Second-Lieut.

"P.S. - He was properly buried, and a cross has been placed offer his grave."

The chaplain writes: "It is with the deepest regret that I write to you to offer you my sincerest sympathy in the loss of your son, who was killed in action on the 26th of last month. I expect before this you have heard fro his company commander how splendidly he behaved during a trying time. I feel how inadequately words of sympathy and comfort are at a time like this; still, I venture to hope that the knowledge that he did his duty bravely for his country in the cause of justice and freedom, will bring you some consolation, and I pray God to help you bear this heavy burden bravely. Yours sincerely G C Danvers, Chaplain, - Battalion. Suff. Regt."

Mr and Mrs Groom desire to express sincere thank for the many expressions of sympathy they have received in their sore bereavement.