When Harry enlisted at Bedord on 19th October 1915 he was 22 years and 10 months old, 5' 5½" tall with a chest of 35" (2" expansion), a boot maker by trade. A letter of recommendation from Duncan & Davison states he had worked for 15 months as a clicker there. He was tested in the workshops at Haynes Park as a "saddler and harness maker" on 14th April 1917, and posted to Alexandria on 6th July 1917. He died of gun shot wounds.

Writing from “Somewhere in Palestine”, Sapper H Shrives, of Rushden, who is serving in the cable section of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, says: “I do not think there are many towns in the country doing more for their lads than Rushden. It is a bit of a change living out here on a desert from what it was in the old town at home, and I can’t say I shall be sorry when I get back, especially when we get a sand-storm blowing about, and it gets mixed up with one’s dinner. I have not had the luck to meet any Rushden fellows yet, but I hope to do so before long. I am at a camp about eight miles away from the Welsh Division, which was billeted in Rushden.”

Mr and Mrs Charles Shrives, of 43 Grove-road, Rushden, have we regret to learn, received official news that their only son, 73853 Sapper H C Shrives, of the Royal Engineers, is dangerously ill in hospital at Alexandria from a wound. The official note states that he was admitted to hospital on December 11th, but it is not known what institution he is in. Mr and Mrs Shrives, who are naturally in much anxiety, will be grateful for any further information any of their son's comrades can send them.

Sapper Shrives joined the Colours two years last October, up to which time he worked for Messrs. Duncan and Davidson, Rushden. Right up to the time of joining the Army he was a highly respected and useful member of the Rushden Temperance Band, playing the trombone. He was also a well-known footballer, playing for the Rushden Windmill Football Club.

Rushden Bandsman's Death - Sapper Harry C Shrives Succumbs to Wounds
Former Trombone Player in the 'Temps'

We deeply rgreat to report that Mr and Mrs C Shrives, of 43, Grove-road, have received official news that their only son, 73853, Sapper Harry C Shrives, of the Royal Engineers, passed away on January 12th in Egypt, from wounds and meningitis.

The late Sapper Shrives, who was 25 years of age, joined the Colours two years last October, and landed in Egypt on July 7th last year. Before enlistment he was employed by Messrs. Duncan and Davison, boot manufacturers, Rushden and for seven years was a well-known and highly respected member of the Rushden Temperance Band, of which organisation his father is also a member. For the two years prior to enlistment he played the trombone, and joined up at the same time as several other members of the "Temps", these including Messrs. John and Eddie Webster, Arthur Odell, "Sonny" Coleman, with Nobles, Parker, Cross, Denton, etc. Of this number John Webster and Arthur Odell have given their lives in the service of their country.

On enlistment the late Sapper Shrives and "Sonny" Coleman got into the Depot Band at Haynes Park. Otherwise it was probable that they wound not have been sent to one or other of the fighting fronts sooner. They went to Egypt together in July last, but were parted at Alexandria.

The late Sapper Shrives as a youth was a member of the Rushden church Lads' Brigade and was well known locally as a footballer, playing for the Rushden Windmill Football Club. Much sympathy is felt with Mr and Mrs Shrives in the grievous blow that have sustained and they desire though our columns, to express their sincere thanks to all who have condoned with them in their loss.

Rushden’s Casualty List - Sapper Harry C. Shrives
Succumbs to Wounds - Former Trombone Player in the ‘Temps’

We deeply regret to report that Mr and Mrs C. Shrives, of 43, Grove-road, Rushden, have received official news that their only son, 73853, Sapper Harry C. Shrives, of the Royal Engineers, passed away on January 12th in Egypt from wounds and meningitis.