Rushden Soldier Killed - Corporal W Smith - A Former Co-Operative Employee - A Very Sad Case

Mrs W Smith, daughter-in-law of Mrs J H Smith, of 73 Queen-street, Rushden, has, we regret to say received news that her husband, Cpl W Smith, R7600, of the Machine Gun Section, King's Royal Rifles, was killed in action on August 1st.

The sad news is sent by Cpl R Harrison, who writes under date Aug. 2nd as follows: "As a token of comradeship I write these few lines on account of your husband (Cpl W Smith) being killed in action on the 1st inst. With deepest sympathy from the remainder of his chums and myself."

The Cpl Smith enlisted in Nov. 1914, and after having been instructor at Sheerness for about 14 months was sent to the front in Dec. last year. His military career was most successful, and he made progress practically from the first day he joined, putting his heart and soul into his work. Every examination he entered he passed with distinction, obtaining 97 marks out of a possible 100 in every instance.

At the time of his enlistment he was employed by Burton-on-Trent Co-operative Society in the tailoring department, prior to which he had been employed by the Rushden Co-operative Society from the age of 11 years, and he remained with them until he was 20 years of age.

As a lad he passed through the Rushden Independent Wesleyan Sunday School, and in later years took an active interest in the work of the church, being a teacher in the Sunday School right up to the time to his leaving Rushden.

Additional poignancy is added to the sad news by the fact that the late Corpl Smith was only married last Nov., and his wife only spent two days with him before he went to the front, and she has not seen him since. Much sympathy is felt with his widow, and bereaved parents.

His mother, Mrs J Smith, of 73 Queen-street, Rushden, will be glad of any further information any of his comrades can send her, or news may also be sent to his widow, Mrs W Smith, 66 Wilmott-road, Swadlincote, near Burton on Trent.