The Rushden Echo, Friday 1 September 1916, transcribed by Nicky Bates
Rushden Soldier Missing - Private Fred Smith - No Answer to the Roll Call
Mr and Mrs George Smith, of 49, Washbrook-road, Rushden, have received news, from unofficial sources, that their fourth son, 18862, Private Fred Smith, of the Northants Regiment, has been missing since August 20th. The information is sent by Private J Cross, of the same regiment, son of Mrs Cross, of Grove road, Rushden, who writes that he went into action with Pte Smith and when the roll was called after the battle Pte Smith failed to answer.
On Wednesday morning Mr and Mrs Smith received their son's photograph, which was found in the trenches and was forwarded to them by one of the Munster Fusiliers.
They will be grateful to any of their son's comrades who can send them any further information concerning his fate. (repeated in the issues of 8 and 15 September)
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The Rushden Echo, Friday 22 September 1916, transcribed by Nicky Bates
Rushden Soldier Killed - Private Fred Smith No Answer to the Roll Call
Mr and Mrs George Smith, of 49, Washbrook-road, Rushden, have received news, from unofficial sources, that their fourth son, 18862, Private Fred Smith, of the Northants Regiment, has been missing since August 20th. The information is sent by Private J Cross, of the same regiment, son of Mrs Cross, of Grove road, Rushden, who writes that he went into action with Pte Smith and when the roll was called after the battle Pte Smith failed to answer.
Mr and Mrs Smith have now received the following letter from Pte G Talbot, 18107, - Northants Regt, of 9 Ealing-terrace, Rushden, who is in hospital in Newport, Mon.:
"I saw in the "Rushden Echo" that your son, Pte F Smith, is missing. Well, it is my painful duty to inform you that he is dead, or I have good reason for thinking so, for the last I saw of him he was very badly wounded, and did not seem as if he would live. I am sorry to have to tell you this, but I thought it would set your mind at rest. Being a Rushden fellow myself, I knew your son quite well. He was a good soldier and comrade."
Pte Smith was a brother of Arthur Smith, hairdresser, of Rushden, and used to work for him.
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