Rushden Sailor-Boxer Feared Killed

Three weeks before Christmas Able Seaman Kenneth William Harris of Rushden, popular local boxer in pre-war days came home on leave after a trip in a supply ship to Russia. He went back to another ship, and his parents, Mr and Mrs Fred Harris, of 26 Westfield-avenue, have now been informed that he is missing, believed killed. A letter which arrived on Monday, in confirmation, told them that it was feared that there could be no hope that he was still alive.

A.B. Harris joined the Royal Navy in June 1940, and soon became popular on account of his boxing experience. Aged 20, he used to attend the Alfred-street School, and when he left he immediately went to work for Messrs. Eaton and Co (Rushden), Ltd where he stayed until he volunteered for war service. He had often appeared in boxing shows at the Windmill Hall, and he won five matches as a heavyweight after joining the Navy, the last being on Boxinq Day. He was a keen swimmer and footballer, and formerly sang in St. Peter's Church choir. Mr & Mrs Harris have one other son, Dion Harris, who is in the A.T.C. and registered for military service on Saturday.