Rushden Soldier's Death - Private Percy Joyce Killed in Action

We are sorry to learn that Mrs P Joyce of 51 Sartoris-road, Rushden has received unofficial news of the death in action of her husband, Pte Percy Joyce, of the Beds Regiment. The deceased was a nephew of Mrs Joyce, of 1 Sartoris-road, Rushden. The sad news is sent by Pte E R Wilford, of the same regiment, who says he has lost a good pal.

The late Pte P Joyce, who was 33 years of age, leaves a widow and one little girl to mourn their loss. He had only been in France about five weeks when he met his death.

Rushden Soldier's Death - Official News of Pte Percy Joyce - Officer's Sympathy

Mrs Joyce, of 51 Glassbrook-road, Rushden, has now received official news that her husband, Pte Joyce, 41264, Bedfordshire Regiment, was killed in action on December 3rd. Deceased had worked in the shoe-room at Messrs. Wm Claridge's factory for about seven years before joining the colours. He was 32 years of age, and would had he lived been 33 today (Friday).

Sec-Lieut W Ambridge, 5th Platoon, B Company, — Bedfordshire Regiment, has sent the following letter to the bereaved widow. "It is with great and sincere regret that I have to inform you that your husband, Pte Joyce, was killed in action on Monday, December 3rd. I am very sorry to have to convey this bad news to you, and it was hard lines on your husband so soon meeting his end. He only came to the Battalion in the line on Wednesday last, November 28th, but very quickly made friends with the other men in the platoon, and was already well liked, and I myself am sorry to lose him. But providence rules these things, and it was His will that this thing should happen. May He comfort you in your bereavement and help you throughout the years to come."

In a subsequent letter, dated December 15th, Lieut Ambridge replies to inquiries made by Mrs Joyce, and says "It is with the greatest regret that I have to tell you that of the death of your husband there can be no possible doubt, and I cannot therefore buoy you up with false hopes. You have my deepest sympathy and also that of your husband's comrades. I was within 50 yards of the spot when your husband was killed, and within a few seconds was on the spot, as the same shell which caused his death also wounded several of his comrades, and we all went to give what assistance we could. Of one thing you may be sure, and that is that death was instantaneous and that your husband did not suffer any pain. I hope that providence will help you in your trouble and help you face the future. The spot where your husband is buried is about one mile south west of Marcoing."

MRS PERCY JOYCE, of 51 Glassbrook-road, Rushden wishes to return her sincere thanks to all kind friends for the sympathy shown to her in the death in action of her husband, Pte Percy Joyce.

In Memoriam

JOYCE - In ever-loving memory of my dear husband Percy Joyce, killed in France, December 3rd,l 917.

Some day we hope to clasp his hand,
When we meet on that beautiful shore;
For we know for us he will watch and wait
Till the trials of live are o'er.
No one knows only those who've lost,
What victory means and what it cost.

From his wife and daughter.

In Memoriam

JOYCE - In ever loving memory of my dear husband Percy Joyce, killed in action in France, December 3rd, 1917.

We cannot forget you, we loved you too dearly
For your memory to fade from our life, like a dream,
Lips need not speak when the heart mourns sincerely,
And thoughts often dwell where they seldom are seen.

From his wife and daughter.