Rushden Soldier Wounded Private M Magee of the 7th Northampton Making Good Progress

Private M Magee, 15709, 7th Northants Regt, is now in the Welsh Metropolitan War Hospital, at Whitechurch, Cardiff. In a letter to his uncle and aunt, Mr and Mrs W Bridgeford, of 92 Washbrook road, Rushden, he says: "Just a line to let you know that I have landed in England once more quite safely and am feeling as well as can be expected. I have had a very rough time of it this week. I did not think we were quite so close, but they did no let us know anything, what we were going to do or where we were, but I can tell you it was a not a place for a white man. You might tell me if you have heard anything of Mick Martin this week, for he was with me for a day or two, and he made a charge with me on Tuesday morning, and I did not see him any more after that. I was in the trench twelve hours after that, so I think it is all over with him. I am sorry to say it, but I think he is gone, poor chap. Well, my wound is not very bad, so I might be home in a week or two. I was shot through the neck, and it is getting on all right now, so I can't grumble. I didn't get the parcel you sent me. I got the paper, but I wanted the parcel. Never mind, better luck next time."

In a subsequent letter he says: "Just a few lines to let you know I am getting on fine, and I think I shall be home soon, for my neck is getting on better than I thought it would be, and I can't see anything to keep me here much longer, so we shall be all right when I get home again. When I come I shall come for ten days, so you will see enough of me then. The people are very good down here. I went for a motor drive yesterday afternoon with some ladies all around Cardiff, and then went and had a very good tea and plenty of fags."

Rushden Soldier's Fate - Death of Pte Malcolm Magee Assumed by the War Office

Miss Magee, who resides with her aunt and uncle (Mr and Mrs Bridgford) at 92 Washbrook road, Rushden, has received official news that the death of her brother, 15907, Pte Malcolm Magee, of the Northants Regt., may now be assumed. The late Pte Magee has been missing from his regiment since September 26th, 1916, and repeated inquiries failed to elicit any further information as to his fate, until the official news concerning his decrease was received last Sunday morning.

He was 31 years of age and enlisted soon after the outbreak of war. Previously, and prior to the outbreak of war he had served five years with the Scottish Rifles, and came to reside in Rushden five years ago when time-expired. For the two years prior to rejoining the colours he lived with Mr and Mrs Bridgford, at 92 Washbrook road, Rushden, and was employed by Messrs. A Sargent & Sons, boot manufacturers, Rushden. He was wounded in the neck at the battle of Loos, and was sent home for practically twelve months, returning to France in January last year.

In July last year he was slightly wounded in the shoulder, but his injuries were not of a sufficiently serious nature to warrant his being sent home again, and after a few days in hospital he returned to the trenches, continuing in the firing line without further mishap until he met his fate on September 26th last year.

The late Pte Magee is the second of his family to have given his life in the service of his country, his brother, the late Pte Frank Magee, having been killed at the battle of Aubers Ridge in May, 1915. Two other brothers (Pte Christopher Magee and Denis Patrick Magee) have both been wounded, and two others (Pte David Magee and Albert Magee) have been discharged from the colours. David has, however, received papers recalling him to the army, and is to report tomorrow.

A later communication from the War Office received by Miss Magee on Tuesday morning is as follows:

"No 15907 Pte M Magee, Northamptonshire Regiment:—I am commanded by the army Council to inform you that the soldier above named has now been reported in a casualty list which has reached this office as having been killed in action on September 26th, 1916. I am to express the sympathy of the Army Council with the soldier's relatives."

So long ago as October 2nd, 1916, Miss Magee received the following letter from Second-Lieut Northants Hunting:-

"It is with sincere regret that I have to inform you that your brother was killed in action during the attack of September 26-27. I know you will be glad to hear that he did his duty nobly, and my fellow officers, and myself, together with his old comrades, mourn our loss, and extend to you our deepest sympathy."