Rushden Officer Missing

News has been received that 2nd Lieut E Rennie Leeding, son of Mr Sanders Leeding of Rushden, is missing and reported killed. The officer joined up in January and went to France in May with the Bedfords as a private. He won the cross guns in training. He was 20 years of age, and was a theological student previous to enlisting in the Army, intending to enter the Baptist Ministry. His father has heard nothing of his son since August 12th, when he 'went over' the trenches and never returned. The first intimation that his son had received his commission was the notice recording the fact that the officer was missing. Any information regarding the gallant lad's fate will be gratefully received by his anxious parents.

Rushden Soldier's Fate - Pte E R Leeding Presumed Killed

Mr S Leeding, of Rushden, insurance agent, has received the following letter from the Red Cross, regarding the fate of his son, Pte E Rennie Leeding, 25761, 10th Platoon, 9th Essex Regiment, attd, from the 2nd Bedfordshire Regiment:- Dear Sir, - We deeply regret to tell you that in spite of many inquires we have failed to obtain any further information respecting your son. As he was reported wounded in the head, it very natural that you should fear he might be in some hospital, suffering from loss of memory, and unable to say who he is. We are glad to tell you that there are not many cases of this kind, and also that the War Office has recently sent us a word that up to the present, all soldiers and repatriated prisoners suffering mentally have been identified, so if Rennie were thus afflicted you would have been informed of his condition. As it is more than two years since he was last seen or heard of, we are becoming very anxious as to his fate. Everything points to the conclusion that this promising young soldier must have been hit a second time, and lost his life, on his way back to the dressing station. It must be some consolation to you to know that had he lived, he would have been given a commission, which shows how highly he was thought of by the officers of his regiment. We should like once more to offer you our heartfelt sympathy in your long anxiety and trouble. Yours faithfully for M.C., the Earl of Lucan.