Co-operator’s Death - Rushden Soldier Dies of Wounds

We learn that Pte. Percy Jeeves, aged 19 years, of the Royal Fusiliers, who used to reside with his sister, Mrs. F. W. Harris, 38, Oakley-road, Rushden, has died of wounds. The deceased soldier was the son of Mr. Jeeves, who formerly drove the L. and N.W. Railway omnibus from the “Wheatsheaf” to the Irthlingborough old station. Previous to joining up Pte. Jeeves was employed at the C.W.S. Works, Rushden. He died at No. 3 Stationary Hospital, France, on Sept. 19th. His brother, Charles Herbert Jeeves, of the Northants Regt., is in France, and has been wounded. He was formerly a clerk at the C.W.S.

Rushden's Casualty List

Mrs F Jeeves, of 2, Clarendon road, Cambridge, has received official news that her second son, Pte Percy Jeeves (Royal Fusiliers), aged 18 years, died on September 19th, of wounds received in action on September 11th. The deceased soldier, who was well known in Rushden, formerly resided with his sister, Mrs E W Harris, of 38 Oakley road, Rushden. He was a son of Mr Jeeves, formerly bus driver for the L and NW Railway Company between Rushden and Irthlingborough L and NW Station. The late Pte Jeeves joined the colours at the age of 16½ years and went to France in August this year. Up to the time of enlistment he was employed at the C.W.S. Boot Works, Rushden, and he was also a member of the Rushden Company, 2nd Battalion Northants Volunteer Regiment. A brother, Pte Charles Herbert Jeeves, Northants Regiment, formerly of the C.W.S. clerical staff, is in France and was wounded on May 9th, 1915, since which time he has escaped further injury. He is shortly expected home on leave. Mrs Jeeves has received letters from the sister in the hospital where her son passed away and also from the chaplain. The sister wrote: "He had a very bad wound and so gradually got worse. He had a good deal of pain and was quite glad to die. He was conscious nearly to the end. He sent his love to you and all his friends. Poor boy, he had had a very bad time in France, apparently. He was a very good patient, and was really so grateful for anything that was done for him. It was quite severe. Now he is buried in quite a nice coffin in a quite little churchyard. The soldiers are always buried most reverently, not forgetting those loved ones at home. His personal belongings will be forwarded to you in a few weeks from the Records Office. May God give you strength to bear this great trial. With my deepest sympathy." The Chaplain, in the course of his letter, says: "Your son was brought into this hospital suffering from a very bad wound in the left buttock. The wound did not do so very well, and in spite of all that the highest medical skill and careful nursing could do he gradually grew weaker and passed way about 5 o'clock in the morning. I was with him a good deal, though I was not there when he died. I prayed with him and he joined fervently in the prayers. He told me of his home at Cambridge and of you all. You may be sure you were constantly in his thoughts and prayers. I do not know if he realised that he was so very ill, but I think on the Wednesday night he did. But I did not speak to him of death; one never knows, it might distress the patient and spoil any chance of recovery. But you may be sure that he is happy now. I was very much taken with him, he was so bright and loveable a fellow. Your dear son will be buried in S Sever Cemetery, Rouen, in grave no. 6503. In the course of a month or two, when it has been tended and planted, you will receive a photograph of his resting place."

Co-operator's Death - Rushden Soldier Dies of Wounds

We learn that Pte Percy Jeeves, aged 19 years, of the Royal Fusiliers, who used to reside with his sister, Mrs E W Harris, of 38 Oakley road, Rushden, has died of wounds. The deceased soldier was the son of Mr Jeeves, who formerly drove the L and NW Railway omnibus from the "Wheatsheaf' to the Irthlingborough old station. Previous to joining up Pte Jeeves was employed at the C.W.S. Works, Rushden. He died at No. 3 Stationary Hospital, France, on Sept. 19th.

His brother Charles Herbert Jeeves, of the Northants Regt, is in France, and has been wounded. He was formerly a clerk at the C.W.S.