The Rushden Echo Friday 22 September 1916, transcribed by Nicky Bates
Rushden Soldier Victim - Drummer J W Sears - Killed in action - Formerly of the Mission Band
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Pte J W Sears
The Argus Newspaper
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We regret to report that Mr and Mrs J W Sears, of 18 Glassbrook-road, Rushden, have received news from unofficial sources that their son, Drummer J W Sears, of the Northants Regt, has been killed in action. The news is send by two of his comrades - Ptes A Collett and W T Gibson.
The former writes: - "Just a few lines to you to let you know that I am Bill's pal, and I am sorry over your son because he was killed by a sniper on Sept. 9th. I could not write before as we were in the trenches, and never got relieved till, Sept. 11th. As soon as I heard the news I was done and I was bad for two or three days."
Pte Gibson writes:- "I am sorry to say that I was with your son on the night of Sept. 9th. We had just advanced towards the German trenches but were compelled to take cover in a shell hole because of the heavy firing. We had lain there for just over two hours together. At about 7.15 p.m. the same night a German sniper shot at him, and hit him in the head.
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Plaque to J W Sears
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He was killed instantly and I had to stay there till 3 o'clock the next morning before I got back to the trenches. I am sorry for both you and him, as he was liked by most of the chaps in the regiment. If you would like to hear any more about him I will try and do my best to tell you as I was he last to see him alive. I got through safely except for a slight shrapnel wound in the chest, which I got as soon as to got out of the trench, but I have not gone to hospital. I am still with the regiment."
The late Private Sears had only been at the front three weeks when he got killed. He was employed by the Maypole Dairy Co., at Rushden prior to enlisting in November 1914. He was only 17 years of age when he enlisted, so that he had given his life for his King and country at the early age of 19 years.
Mrs and Mrs Sears and family desire to express sincere thanks to those kind friends who have expressed sympathy in their bereavement.
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