Terrible Wounds - Rushden Private Expires in Rouen Hospital
We are deeply sorry to record the death from his wounds of Pte. Charles Harley of the 1st Northants Regiment, cousin of Mrs Darnell, of 7, Manning-street, Rushden. Pte Harley had no parents living and was brought up by Mrs Darnell as one of her own children. He went to the trenches in France on September 11th 1914 and was twice wounded and recovered. He received the wound which proved fatal on September 2nd, the bottom of his back being blown away. Mrs Darnell has just received the following letter from the hospital at Rouen "I am most awfully sorry to have to tell you that your cousin died last night (October 3rd) from the effects of his wounds. He got gradually worse in the afternoon, and died about 9pm. Poor man, it was a merciful release to him, for he would never have had the use of his legs, for the end of his back was blown away. So for his own sake I am sure you will feel it was better for him to die".