Rushden Soldier Killed by a Bullet

We are sorry to report the death of Pte Roland Harbour (5th Northants) son of Mr & Mrs C Harbour, of 16 West-street, Rushden. The first news to reach Rushden was sent by Pte. Brice to his mother. The following sympathetic letter has been received from the deceased soldiers officer- "I regret to inform you that your son was killed by a rifle bullet last Friday (October 15th) night, while out with a party putting up wire entanglements in front of our line. I carried him into the trench but his death must have been quite instantaneous and painless. He was buried near the spot where he fell. He was a very cheery and willing worker, and I shall miss him in the platoon greatly. It may be some small comfort for you to think that he died doing his duty, Yours sincerely Sidney E Buckley, Lieutenant, 6th Northants Regiment". Another letter is sent by Sergt. H. Shelton who writes- "As your son has been in my platoon since he enlisted I thought it my duty to write you a few lines. I am extremely sorry to tell you the painful news that he was killed in the night of the 15th inst. and myself and the men sympathise with you in the great loss. I was with him when he got hit and did the best I could, but it was of no use. He suffered no pain, as it was instant death within 30 yards of our foes. I took him with some of his comrades and buried him, as there was nothing else we could do, and marked his resting place as best we could. He was a very good lad and I shall miss him very much, as it is hard to lose the fellows one has been so long associated with. All his comrades wish me to express their sympathy in the great loss to you and us all. He was loved by us all". Pte Harbour enlisted in August 1914 and formerly worked in the finishing room of Messrs J Cave and Sons Ltd. The bereaved parents have four more sons in the Army.

Rushden Echo & Kettering Leader, 29th October 1915

'A Good Lad' - Comrades tribute to a Rushden Soldier

Last week we published the particulars of the death of the soldier who is the son of Mr and Mrs C. Harbour of West-street, Rushden. He was instantly killed by a bullet while putting up wire entanglments, and was described by his sergeant, who sent the sad news as 'a very good lad, loved by us all'.