Brothers in arms

Private Fred Line, of the 2nd Northants, writes home to his parents in Rushden: "I am sending the King's and Queen's and Princess Mary's photos. We received a very nice gift from Queen Mary. It had her photo, a packet of "fags", a pipe and a packet of tobacco. I have come out of the trenches, but I spent Christmas in them, which was rather rotten." Private George Line, his brother, also of the 2nd Northants, wrote home saying that he had a good time in the trenches on Christmas Day, and had bread and jam for dinner, which he did not care much about. He had to go in the trenches directly he got the last parcel from home, he says, and his feet were so cold he could hardly feel them.

Rushden Parents' Fear - Private Fred Line's Death Unofficially Reported

We are extremely sorry to report that Mr and Mrs C Line, of Rushden, have heard unofficially that their second son Private Fred C Line, 9721, of the 2nd Northants, was killed in action on May 9th. The sad news was sent by a comrade (Private S Woods), who wrote to Mrs Line as follows:-

"Dear Mrs Line - It is with deep regret that I have to inform you of your son Fred's death. He was killed in action on Sunday, May 9th, and died like a true British soldier. On coming out of the trench there was a parcel waiting for him, and as it was impossible to return it it was divided between his pals who were left, and they thank you very much."

We understand that about Easter time Mrs Line had letters she had sent her son at the front returned, marked "killed in action", but happily her fears were unfounded, as her son had written several times since, the last letter being received last Sunday fortnight. We sincerely hope that the sad news she has received may prove to be incorrect, but Mrs Line fears that it may be true, as her son's friend apparently writes with conviction.

Private Line enlisted two years last March and was called up as a special reservist on August 8th. He was sent to the front about the beginning of November and up to May 9th had received no injury. He was but 19 years of age.

Private Amos Line, of Earls Barton, who has also been officially killed, was first cousin to Private F C Line, of Rushden.

Rushden Soldier Unofficially Reported Killed

Mr. and Mrs. C. Line, of Rushden, have received unofficial news that their second son, Pte. Fred C. Line, of the Northants Regiment, was killed in action recently. Pte. Woods, a comrade, wrote to Mrs. Line informing her that her son was killed on Sunday, May 9th, and that he died like a true British soldier. Pte. Line was called up as a reservist in August last, and went to the front in November. The poor fellow was only 19 years of age.

Rushden Soldier Missing - Private Fred C Line - Information Wanted

Mrs Line, of 116, High-street-south, Rushden, would be pleased to hear news concerning her son, 9721, Fred C ('Tay') Line, A Company, 2nd, Northants Regt., who was unofficially reported killed on May 9th, by a comrade. Since that date nothing has been heard. Inquiries have been made of the War Office, but they have no record of a casualty to that name of number. Should this meet the eye of any of Pte Line's comrades, Mrs Line would be very grateful for information concerning him. [This was repeated on June 11th and 25th]

Rushden Soldier Killed - Another victim of May 9th - Official News of Pte Fred Line
The Sympathy of the King and Queen - 'A Brave British Soldier'

Mr and Mrs C Line, of 116 High-street-south, Rushden, have now received official news of the death of their son, Pte Fred Line, of the 2nd Northamptonshire Regiment. We have previously reported that Pte Line was listed among the missing soldiers after the terrible experiences of May 9th, and the Infantry Record Office at Warley now state that he was killed in action on May 9th.

One of his comrades has sent the following letter to Pte Line's parents: -

"Just a few lines in answer to your letter concerning your son. I have made all inquiries possible. I have been to Company headquarters to find out what the report is on the books: 'Pte F Line, 9721, is reported missing, believed killed,' and I was told if I reported him killed I should be safe, as not only Fred but a large number got so near the to the enemy's trenches and failing to capture their position owing to the heavy rifle and machine gun fire he was wounded, and later in the day it was said he was killed, and very sorry to say but it is my firm belief he is, for if one was wounded and offered to move about he was known to be riddled with bullets on that fatal day, May 9th. Dear Mrs Line I am very sorry to have to send such news and I am sure I feel grieved, but one thing I can say about Fred, if he was killed, which it is believed he was, honestly and truly I can say he died a brave British soldier. He came out with me and I have been in his company so much in and out of the trenches and I can truly say he was a brave and good lad. He was always willing to do anything or go anywhere, no matter how dangerous. He never saw fear, and another thing I can truly say - he was well liked in the company. Dear Mrs Line, no doubt it has been a lot of trouble to you since that day, and I can imagine how you feel, not having an official report about him but I hope you will get over it in time."

Accompanying the official intimation from Warley was the following message from Lord Kitchener: "The king commands me to assure you of the true sympathy of His Majesty and the Queen in your sorrow."

Deceased was only 19 years of age, and for the last 18 months before enlisting had worked in the boot factory of Mr Joseph Knight.

Heroic Death of Rushden Private

We deeply regret to record the death of Private Fred Line, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Line, High-street South, Rushden, who was reported missing on may 9th. The deceased soldier’s parents have now received official intimation of his death as “killed in action on May 9th.” A comrade, in a letter to Private Line’s parents, said the deceased was reported “missing, believed killed.” He was told he might say killed, as not only Fred but a large number of his comrades got so near to the enemy’s trenches, and failing to capture them owing to the heavy rifle fire and machine gun fire. He was wounded, and later in the day it was said, killed. “I am very sorry to say it, but it is my firm belief, too, for if one was wounded and offered to move he was known to be riddled with bullets on that fatal day. One thing I can say about Fred honestly and truly is that he died a brave soldier, a brave and good lad. He was always willing to do anything and go anywhere, no matter how dangerous. He never saw fear, and he was well liked in the company.” The deceased soldier was only 19 years of age.

The ceremony was led Gillian Crowe (a relative of Fred), and was attended by a small number of his other relatives, their spouses and friends.

Gillian read an account of the battle and, accompanied on the guitar by her husband Jeff, she sang a very moving song which she had adapted the words from a song by John Conlon.

click here to read the Account of the Battle and the Words of the song

Poppies were laid on the steps to the memorial but will be taken to France later in 2015 when Gillian and Jeff visit area of the battlefield.