Rushden Soldier Sent to Hospital
Private Harold King, of the Highland Light Infantry, son of Mrs. Joseph King, of 84 Glassbrook-road, Rushden, recently came home from France to visit his mother on seven days’ leave. For several months past he has not been in good health and we are sorry to report he was sent to the County Hospital by his doctor on Saturday last, where he has been detained. He has been at the front since the commencement of the war, and took part in the battle of Mons and several other big encounters. For some months past he has had such indifferent health that he has been kept at base, and has therefore taken part in no recent fighting.

Mrs. King has four more sons on active service and we are glad to report that so far none have been wounded.

Rushden Soldier Spends his Second Christmas in The Trenches
Pte. J. R. Butts (Rushden) 9781, writes describing the “Rushden Echo” as a welcome and interesting paper, which he receives every week. He adds: “I am quite all right and well. I spent my second Christmas in the trenches. It was a little better than the 1914 one. I should have liked to spend it at home, but I am needed here and I will stick it as long as I can. I might tell you there are plenty of Rushden fellows here, and jolly good soldiers, too.

Rushden Soldier Wounded - Company Qr.-Master-Sergt. Buckby - Injured in The Thigh
Company Quarter-master Sergt. W. G. Buckby, 4605, of the Second Battalion Northants Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Buckby, of Newton-road, Rushden, was wounded on Dec. 20th, and is now in the 23rd General Hospital, France. He is suffering from a bullet wound in the right thigh. The missile, we are sorry to say, fractured the femur, and although the patient has been under the X Rays the bullet has not yet been located.

In his last letter to his parents, under the date of Jan. 6th he says he is doing well, although he had not then been operated upon. He is in charge of a clever American doctor and nurses. “I have every comfort,” he writes. “The ward was decorated nicely for Christmas, and we had a nice dinner. I hope the German who hit me has a Happy New Year, and if he gets hit I hope he gets a fractured femur. I was walking up the road when he had me. It was just as if a horse had kicked me.

This is the first time Q.M.S. Buckby has been wounded although he has been at the front since the commencement of the war.

He completes his 21 years’ service with the colours next month.

Rushden Soldier at Home on Leave
Pte. Chas Tew (Rushden), 1st Northants Regiment, who, it will be remembered, was at home in the early part of last year after an attack of enteric fever contracted at the Aisne, has just spent another few days at home. He is now, we understand, in excellent health.

His brother, Pte. W. Tew, 18060, of the 1st Northants Regiment, is also with the British Expeditionary Force in France.

Rushden Boys - “Somewhere in France” - Thinking of “Home Sweet Home”

Pte. Bob Evans (Rushden) writes to us from ‘somewhere in France’ to say he and his pals from Rushden have been reading the “Rushden Echo” “through the glimmer of our precious electric light, namely the candle, in our tent, and the wind blowing underneath the boards, after having luncheon. Observe the word ‘luncheon,’ please. The three B’s – Bully Beef and Biscuits – or blankets, board, beds. The boys all sitting round me desire to assimilate the news as quickly as possible before we get the order ‘lights out.’ We are always ready to abide by such a rule, otherwise ‘c.b’ or ‘deprived day’s pay.’

“The Rushden boys out here are pleased to see that so many of our townsfolk have responded so nobly to their country’s call in this great hour of need, without the aid of conscription (what a terrible thing conscription), when we all realise that the ones we love so dearly, mothers, wives, sweethearts and children, must be protected from Hunnish barbarity. We are doing our bit for King and country, and we hope there are not many now in Rushden who are not doing it. Our wives in our absence have a fearful fight to fight, with the monotony they have to endure. That is what makes us proud of our English women to-day. We think of home and the contrast between home and active service makes every British Tommy rally round for his letters when they come from ‘home, sweet home.’ When we read those letters through they seem to have real life and real feeling instead of being mere writing paper. We read between the lines and think of the one who has been labouring with brain and hands, trying to make the British Tommy as comfortable and happy as she can in this Great War to-day. God spare every mother, wife, child and sweetheart to-day in the absence of their loved ones, who are doing their bit in trying to save the flag for dear old England.”

Rushden Soldier Wins Praise from High Quarters
Stretcher-Bearing Under Heavy Fire - The D.C.M.?

Some valuable work has been done at the front by Pte. Benjamin Johnson of Higham-road, Rushden, 18121, 2nd Northants Regt., who is serving with the British Expeditionary Force in France. He volunteered for the work of stretcher bearing, which he carried out with marked bravery, under a heavy fire by the enemy, and he received the hearty thanks of the officer.

For many years Pte. Johnson worked at the boot factory of Messrs. A. Groome and Sons, Rushden Hill. Writing to Master Wilfred Groome (son of Mr. W. A. Groome, a member of the firm), Pte. Johnson says:

“We had Christmas Day out of the trenches. We had to go in on Boxing Day Night. It was a bit rough – up to our knees in water and mud, but we got through all right. We don’t have to stop at anything. I don’t know when this war is going to stop. I hope it will not be long; we have had enough of it.

“Ten of us got recommended for the D.C.M., but that was all. We did our best and they were very pleased with us. I hope we shall not have to see another sight like that.”

Evidently Pte. Johnson means that the D.C.M. is not to be given, but it is a great deal to have even been recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

Rushden Soldier - Home on Leave - Night Work in Front of The Trenches
Second-Corpl W. E. Scarsbrook, 2/3rd London Field Company, 47th Division Royal Engineers, has been home on seven days’ leave from the front. He has been doing night work in front of the trenches, fixing barbed wire, etc. He has made his home with Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Allen, Alfred-street, Rushden, for the last four years, and, having no other home, he accordingly spent the leave there. He was formerly foreman for Mr. Nichols, High-street, Rushden, and was a member of the Baptist Church. He receives the “Rushden Echo” every week, and says he is very pleased to get it. He has been out in France seven months, having joined the army in September, 1914.

Rushden Soldier - Recommended for the D.C.M.
Private Benjamin Johnson, 18121, of Rushden Hill, 2nd Northants Regiment, who, as reported in last week’s “Rushden Echo,” has been recommended for the D.C.M. For many years he worked in the boot factory of Messrs. A. Groome and Sons.

Rushden Soldier for a Foreign Destination
Saddler John Corby, of the Royal Horse Artillery, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Corby, of Rushden, has left England for a destination in the Far East.

Rushden Soldier - On Active Service
Private E. J. Wright, R.A.M.C. of Washbrook-road, Rushden, whose marriage was recently reported in the “Rushden Echo,” has just left England for active service in France.

Rushden Soldier Wounded - Private Fred Hales
Formerly of Irthlingborough
News has been received by Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hales, of Hillcrest, Queen-street, Rushden, formerly of Park-road, Irthlingborough, that their son Pte. Fred Hales, 17889, 2nd Northamptons, has been wounded. Sister M. E. Stewart writes that Pte. Hales, who has been wounded in the right arm and abdomen, is in Hospital 26 Field Ambulance, and he adds that he is going on as well as can be expected.

Pte. Hales enlisted in Lord Kitchener’s Army last Easter, and he went out to France at the end of August last year. Prior to his enlistment he lived in Rushden. He married Miss Maggie Brudenall. Last year his wife died, and he enlisted almost directly afterwards.

Lance-Corpl. Arthur Garley - Injured In The Knee
Mr. and Mrs. J. Garley, of 31 Brookfield-road, Rushden, have received news that their son, Lce.-Cpl. Arthur Garley, of the 6th Northants Regt, has been wounded, having received a gunshot wound in the knee.

They received a letter under date February 6th from the chaplain of the hospital as follows:-

“I am chaplain to the forces at this hospital in which your son Arthur is at present a patient, and I think you may like to hear from me how he is getting on. He was wounded on Feb. 1st by shrapnel in the left knee. And an operation was successfully performed on the following day. He was moved here on Feb. 6th and is doing well. As his name has not been placed on the list of those seriously ill I do not think you need have cause for anxiety about him. The patients here receive every possible comfort and attention, and your son seems to be happy and contented, and as long as he stays in this hospital I shall be glad to do anything I can for him.”

Lce-Cpl. Garley is now in hospital at St. John’s Buildings, Chester, and on Saturday last his father and mother journeyed thither to see him. They found him in excellent spirits, and he remarked on the kindness of the doctors and staff, for which his parents are very grateful.

Private F. Hales - Suffered From a Bullet Wound
Mr. R. Hales, of Queen-street, Rushden, has received information that his son, Pte. F. Hales, of the Northamptons, has been dangerously wounded in the body by a bullet, and is now in hospital at Calais. Pte. Hales, who enlisted last Easter, went out to France last August.

Rushden Baker in Egypt - Septic Poisoning in Both Legs
Mudros and Alexandria Contrasted - Not Much Work To Do
A very interesting letter has been received this week by Mr. Arthur Southwell, 13 Victoria-road, Rushden, from Pte. H. Brockliss, 13th Field Bakery, Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, whose enlistment was reported in the “Rushden Echo” last summer. Pte. Brockliss, who formerly lived in Spencer-road, Rushden, and was employed, by Mr. Walpole Smith, Confectioner, Rushden, says:-

Alexandria.
“Just a few lines to let you know how I have been getting on since leaving England, we went straight to Mudros Island (about 40 miles from the Dardanelles), and baked there for a few weeks, and then on to Cape Ellis, which is much too close to the firing line to be comfortable. In fact, one of our men was blown to pieces by a Turkish shell. It was not safe to go into the open at all, so you see we did not have an easy time of it. Several of us suffered from dysentery, too. I had a month in hospital with septic poisoning in both legs, but I am pleased to say I am all right again now.

“We left Cape Ellis on Feb. 7th and arrived here on the 11th. This is quite a pleasant change. It is a quaint old town. It looks just the same now as it must have done thousands of years ago, and the natives dress just the same and ride about on donkeys. I am writing this letter outside an Egyptian café under the palm trees, with a large drink with an ice in it, and a dish of fruit with it. It is quite a treat after what we have been through.

“The weather is extremely hot here – quite a change from Mudros. It was very wild and cold there.

“We expect to remain here about a fortnight. Then, it is rumoured, we are going up to the Persian Gulf, but we never know where we are going till we get there. I think it is about time we came home for a rest. We are not doing much work here – just a little drill and fatigues, and a route march in the afternoons.

“We are getting some good food here, but we had to do the best we could at Mudros. We are eating our heads off, and we can also get good beer, which is much appreciated, too much so in some cases.”

Rushden Gentleman in Egypt
News has been received from the War Office that Mr. John Burgoyne Hyde (3rd South African Infantry), of Rose Hill, Rushden, son of Dr. Hyde, formerly of Earls Barton, has been wounded in action in Egypt.

It was when the British Forces attacked and took the Arab stronghold Sidi Barani, on or about Feb. 26th that he received his injuries. No indication is given of the nature of his wounds.

German Shells - 1,500 Without a Hit
Pte. G. Butler, 7th Northants, writes:- “I am in hospital with a wounded shoulder which I received on Feb. 14th, a shell bursting 15 yards away from me. We have been heavily shelled in the afternoon, for about three hours they sent us over about 1,500, but strange to say, no one was hit. In the next 14 hours they sent over four, and the third one hit me.

Rushden Echo, 24^th March 1916, transcribed by Kay Collins

Rushden M.T. Man “Somewhere in Egypt”
Last week’s “Autocar” gives a letter from eleven Motor Transport A.S.C. men, “somewhere in Egypt,” Mr. H. A. Clipson, of Rushden, being one of the party. The writers, describing their experiences, state:

“We are driving Talbot Ambulances and are away up country on active service. It would astonish some of your home-seeping readers to see the scenes amidst which our work is carried on, and to see the ‘roads’ over which our cars have to be driven. When the time comes for parting with the cars it will be like saying good-bye to tried and trusted old friends. In spite of all drawbacks we manage to keep up our spirits.”

Rushden Echo, 24^th March 1916, transcribed by Kay Collins

Rushden Postman Meets Friends in Egypt
Reg. Sergt.-Major Marsden, 1^st/4^th Northants, of Rushden, formerly of Rushden postal staff, writing from Egypt, says the men are all looking fit and well. He adds: “Imagine my surprise on going down the lines the other day to hear myself greeted by a member of a new draft with ‘Hello Postman!’ He had just come out, and hailed from Rushden. Of course, it was against discipline, but I was glad to find my townsmen turning up to do their bit.”

Rushden Soldier Wounded - Private Ralph Linnitt - Injured in Action
The news has been received in Rushden during the present week that Pte Ralph Linnett has been wounded in action. Pte Linnitt, who is the third son of Mr and Mrs Linnitt, of 46 Portland-road, Rushden, joined the Army while out in Canada, and came over to England with the 2nd Contingent. All wish Pte Linnitt a very speedy recovery.

A week ago Lance-Corpl Linnitt (Billy) was home on leave for eight days. The lance-corporal, who is the fourth son of Mr and Mrs Linnitt, has now gone back to join his regiment somewhere in France. Lance-Corpl Linnitt looked in perfect health and was in excellent spirits. Good wishes follow the lance-corporal.

Promotion – For Rushden Footballer
Mr E F Tomkins, of Rushden, the Northampton Town F.C.’s former half-back, who joined the Royal Flying Corps last summer, has just received promotion, having been appointed First Air Mechanic.

First A/M E F Tomkins is captain of his regimental football team, and by permission of his commanding officer is also playing for Southampton. According to the sporting papers, the “Saints” find the Northampton man an acquisition, as he retains his old form and is a great favourite with the crowd. First A/M Tomkins is a motor cyclist despatch rider of the R.A.S.M.T.

Not So Bad - Rushden Soldier in the Trenches
Mrs W J Frisby, of Victoria-road, Rushden, has received a further letter from her son, Bombardier Robert Frisby, R.F.A., in which he says:
“I am up at the trenches for a week and I have done three nights out of it. I saw a Rushden chap in the Northants the other day up here. His name is Clark and he lives in Robert-street. I also saw, while I was going out into the trenches, a chap named Rollins (Wellingborough-road). He is also in the Steelbacks and he was just coming out. Don’t worry your head about me being in the trenches, as I am quite all right, I can assure you. We had rather a rough night the first night. Three of the Gloucesters got knocked out the first night and they were on fatigue like us, and they were next to us along the trench. They had to bring them by us, but I am sorry to say all three were dead. We come out of the trenches each night and go about two miles back and we are in billets then. The sergeant and myself have a room to ourselves and a bed each and we have our meals separate. We generally get back to our billets by 12 o’clock and we have all the next day until 6.15 again before we go up, so taking everything into consideration it is not so bad.”

Wounded Soldier’s Gratitude – For Rushden Girl’s Gifts
Miss Ivy Walker, daughter of Mr and Mrs Walker, of 2 Victoria-road, Rushden, has received a letter from 8254 Pte W Howard Hudson, A Co., Royal Fusiliers, 3rd Ward, 16th General Hospital, B.E.F., thanking her for gifts he has received. He says: “I can assure you your gifts are greatly appreciated by us out here, especially we fellows who have stepped in the way of the enemy’s nasty weapons. Glad to mention that I am progressing favourably, and hope to be home in the near future. Again thanking you for your extreme kindness, etc.”

Rushden Soldier in Hospital
Private Ralph Linnitt - Going on Favourably
Captain’s Kindly Tribute - “One Of My Best Men”
Pte. Ralph Linnitt, of the Canadians, who, as reported in the “Rushden Echo,” has been wounded, has now arrived in England and is at the Wanstead Red Cross Hospital, Margate, and is getting on well. Pte. Linnitt, -- who is the son of Mrs. J. Linnitt, of 46 Portland-road, Rushden – is suffering from shrapnel wounds in the face, shoulder and arm, but we are pleased to say he is now going on all right and we trust he will soon be well and strong again.

Pte. Linnitt is receiving the very best attention and every kindness is being shown to him.

The following letter was sent to Mrs. J. Linnitt, by Captain Smith, of the Canadians, now on active service somewhere in Belgium:-

Dear Mrs. Linnitt, -- I regret very much to inform you that your gallant son Ralph has been wounded by shrapnel in the face, shoulder and his arm, but not very seriously. So you must not worry, for he is in a hospital and will be given the very best of attention. Your son has been with me and my company since November 1st, 1914, and has at all times been one of my best and most willing men in my company, and I trust he will soon be able to re-join us again.

He has been in some very hot fighting recently but that is what we came over to do, and everyone is very pleased at the way all ranks have borne themselves.

Please do not worry as your son will have every attention and will soon be able to be round again.

With kind regards and sympathy for you all, yours very truly,

P. H. SMITH,
Captain.
D Co, Battalion, Canadians.

Rushden Officer in France - The Energetic Bosch
Germans Repulsed With Heavy Loss - In Spite of Gas Attack
The Final Chorus – Soon?
A Second Lieutenant in the --- Northamptons, who was a clerk in one of the banks at Rushden before he enlisted writes as follows:-

“Several of the men in my platoon also come from Rushden, and, as I can pass on the ‘Rushden Echo’ to them I assure you we shall look for it eagerly.

“I have been in the firing line a week now, and the Bosch has made his presence felt quite well, especially at night-time, when he becomes awfully energetic with his star shells and sniping – in the hope of catching working parties out in No Man’s Land. He varies the programme often by sending along whiz-bangs, which are a special treat and amusement for the officer on duty from our side, who grows years younger in skipping about to dodge them, at the same time trying to get a mite nearer his post to be visited.

“The Bosch had a try to ‘get our wind up’ (nervousness) lately with a gas attack, preceded by a two-hours’ bombardment from his heavy batteries, and followed by a rush on our front line. He was repulsed with heavy loss and failure, our casualties being few. His gas is horrible stuff, but our gas helmets are fine, and keep it out well if properly adjusted.

“We are in rest a little way behind at present, so missed his ‘star’ turn; still, we shall all join in the final ‘chorus’, which will not be long now. The weather is awfully hot, but quite pleasant, and we sit and think of dear old Rushden far away, and of how we should love to be there. Perhaps that will come quickly, wishing your paper every success.

Rushden Soldier Home From The Front
Pte. Alfred Rawlins (Rushden), of the Northants Regiment, son of Mrs. J. Rawlins, of 199 Wellingborough-road, Rushden, is at home on leave after just over 11 months at the front.

Mrs. Rawlins has three other sons serving in his Majesty’s forces at the present time, namely, Ptes G. Rawlins and F. Rawlins of the Northants Regiment, and Trooper l. Rawlins, of the Beds Yeomanry. One other son, Pte Asa Rawlins, who was in Australia at the outbreak of war, enlisted in the Australian Contingent and was killed in action in the Gallipoli Peninsula, on August 15th last year. All Mrs. Rawlins’ sons of military age have, therefore, given their services to their King and country.

Rushden Gunner on a Short Leave
Gunner F. Swindall (Rushden), of the R.H.A., son of Councillor and Mrs. T. Swindall, of 28 Moor-road, Rushden, who has been at the front since July, 1915, is at home on seven days’ leave. He preferred not to recount any of his experiences for publication, but a representative of the “Rushden Echo” found him looking the picture of health. Although he has been in action several times he has come through so far unscathed.

Tom Clark

Rushden Motor Cyclist – Strafing the Enemy
Brigade Football Match - The Pitch Bombed by German Aeroplane
When will the War End? - Corporal Tom Clark’s Answer
Corporal Tom Clark, of the Motor Machine Gun Service, son of Mr and Mrs Chas Clark, of Wellingtonia, Irchester-road, Rushden, is spending a further eight days’ leave at home after 16 months on the Western Front.

Interviewed by a representative of the “Rushden Echo” he said:-
“There is not a great deal to relate this time as things have been rather quiet all winter, and with the exception of a few minor attacks and counter attacks there has been nothing much doing. The winter has not been very severe. We have had plenty of rain but not much very cold weather. We had nothing to be compared with the blizzard you had in England judging by the photographs in the ‘Rushden Echo’ which I receive each week.

“For the past six months our work has consisted of practically all night work, that is to say we are posted with our guns a short distance behind our first fire trenches, and from this position we play upon the enemy’s communication trenches and working parties. Of course, for this.

Purpose, guns are sighted before dark, and at night the guns are fired at irregular intervals in the hopes of catching a ration party or working party.

“About a couple of months ago I took part in a small strafe of the enemy. The Germans had strongly fortified a row of houses just behind their lines, and their hiding places have been discovered, our artillery proceeded to demolish them. As the Germans rushed out of the houses for safety they found us waiting with our machine guns. Of course, they soon took cover, but not before we had done some considerable damage to them.

“Besides serious incidents we sometimes get such as cause us amusement. One such has happened within the past three weeks, during which we have been resting. One afternoon we were to play the brigade snipers at football but during the morning an enemy aeroplane dropped a bomb right in the middle of the pitch. As a consequence we had to send out a fatigue party with picks and shovels and fill up the hole before we could play. They soon did the job, and the match ended in the snipers being beaten by three to nothing.

“Ever since I got home this time I have been pestered with enquiries as to when the big move is to begin, or as to when the war is going to be ended. I can’t satisfactorily answer either question for we buy English papers to know what is going on on the English front, for all we know is just what is taking place just in our part of the line. The people at home know as much as the boys in the trenches.

“The general opinion of the boys at the front is that there are still plenty of slackers left in England, and they are rather pleased that the Government are introducing compulsion all round”.

Since his last visit home Corpl. Clark has been promoted from Bombardier to his present rank. His battery went to France 64 strong, and at the present time only 28 of the original men remain.

Rushden Male Chorister – with the Indian Expeditionary Force
Gunner Cyril Sheffield in the East
A former member of the Rushden Adult School Male Choir, Gunner Cyril Sheffield (R.F.A.), who is with the Indian Expeditionary Force, in a letter under date April 1st to Mr F Berrill, secretary of the school, writes:-

“I suppose you have been waiting a long time in hopes of hearing from me. I had a good reminder this morning that there is still an Adult School in Rushden when I read a most amusing and interesting letter from Harry Neal, the first letter I had opened since the beginning of last December. I hope you are still progressing in school and its work, although, no doubt, your numbers must be small. I am in a country where Adult Schools are out of the question, but my thoughts often turn to Rushden at the time of your meetings. I have now been in action with this battery for about five weeks. Fighting out here seems to be very slow but we are on the eve of a great bombardment when after it is all finished we shall hope to have accomplished the task of relieving one of England’s great generals and his few thousand men from their most serious position. I hope you spent your Christmas as usual with the choir at their social. I was on the water at the time but on the whole we had a fair time, no chicken or duck, but we are now having a bit of Turkey.”

Rushden Soldier Wounded - Sapper T. H. Wood - Injured by Shrapnel
Official news has been received by Mr. and Mrs. W. Wood, of 22 Fitzwilliam-street, Rushden, that their son, Sapper T. H. Wood, of the East Anglian Royal Engineers, was wounded by shrapnel in the right forearm on April 25th.

His mother went to see him last Saturday and was then in hospital at Stourbridge, Worcestershire. She found him progressing favourably, and he is shortly to be moved to a V.A.D., probably at Eversham.

At the time he received his wound he was standing outside a disused cellar, where he and his comrades had been sheltering, when a shell burst near him and a portion entered his arm. As he was proceeding to the dressing station he had another narrow escape, a piece of shell falling just in front of him, so near that he felt the rush of the wind.

He enlisted about nine months ago at Bedford, and had been at the front about six weeks when he received his wound. Prior to enlistment he was in the employ of Mr. Robert Marriott. Sapper Wood was formerly a member of the Rushden Company Volunteer Force and is, we understand, the first of that company to be wounded. another article by Sapper Wood

Rushden Soldier Hurt - Private C. Underwood has Some Narrow Escapes
Mrs. William Underwood, 9, Succoth-place, Rushden, received official news yesterday week that her son, Pte. Chas. Underwood, of the Northants Regiment, was wounded on March 25th.

In a letter to his mother he said that his wounds are only slight. He had sustained two cuts in the head, but apparently he has now returned to the fighting line, as last Sunday morning his mother received a field card on which he said he was all right.

He has had more than one narrow escape. On one occasion a bullet passed right through his cap, cutting off the badge, but did not touch his skull. His mother has the bullet and cap as souvenirs.

Rushden Soldier Gassed - Pte. C. Bodman - Now in Hospital
Mrs. H Bodman, of 72, Glassbrook-road, Rushden, has received official news that her son, Pte. C. Bodman, of the Northants Regt, is now in Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, after being badly gassed by the Germans.

His father and mother went to see him last Saturday, and found he was progressing favourably.

This is Pte Bodman’s second time in hospital, as he was wounded at the battle of Loos.

Rushden C.W.S. Worker – Wounded by Shrapnel
Lance-Corpl. J. H. Shipman in Hospital
Mrs Shipman, of 13, Glassbrook-road, Rushden, has received news that her husband, Lance-Corpl. J. H. Shipman, of the Northants Regiment, was wounded by shrapnel in the left knee on April 25th.

He enlisted on April 17, 1915, and proceeded to the depot on April 25th last year, exactly 12 months prior to the date on which he received his wound. He went to the front at the end of July last year. Prior to enlistment he was employed at the C.W.S. boot factory in Rushden. He returned to this country last Monday week and is now in a Red Cross Hospital, Salisbury, where, we are pleased to report, he is making satisfactory progress.

At the time Lance-Corpl Shipman was wounded he was having six days’ rest at the rear of the firing line. An enemy shell exploded near his section and practically every man received a wound of some description or other.

Rushden Soldier Injured – Gunner Cyril Sheffield Slightly Wounded
Mr. F. Sheffield, of 56, Crabb-street, Rushden, received official news on Wednesday morning that his son, Gunner Cyril Sheffield, 110589, of the – Battery R.F.A., was slightly wounded in action on April 18th.

Gunner Sheffield is a brother of the late Sergt. Horace Sheffield, and a former member of the Rushden Adult School Male Voice Choir and St. Mary’s Church Choir.

An interesting letter from him was published in our last issue. He enlisted at the latter end of last year, and after but seven weeks’ training, went with a draft to the front.

Rushden Belgian Guest Wins the French Military Cross
A Deed of Daring – Two other Brothers Rewarded for Bravery
Mons and Madame Zweryvgher, who are resident in the Belgian House at Rushden, have reason to be proud of three of their sons, two of whom are in the French army and one in the Belgian army. All three have gained distinction for bravery and have been decorated.

The latest to distinguish himself is Prosper Zwertvagher, who is soldier in the French army, and who for several months was a refugee at the Belgian House, Rushden, with his parents. He is well known amongst many Rushden people. Before the war he was a reservist but in the French Auxiliary Army. He was not called up until some time after the outbreak of war, and so came with his parents from Antwerp to Rushden.

When called up in 1915, he went to France, and after two months’ training at Sarlat was then put into the active army. Since leaving Rushden he has greatly distinguished himself in that, with four comrades, he succeeded in holding the portion of the trenches they were defending, with hand grenades, against a strong German attack. This was on January 10th this year and he was personally congratulated by his officers and recommended for the French Military Cross. He was told that he was not merely one of the best men in his company but that he was a credit to the whole regiment.

Soon afterwards he received adequate recompense for his deed of bravery against the enemy as a few weeks ago he was presented with the French Military Cross, which he has forwarded to his parents in Rushden for safe keeping.

The gallant action which has brought him the coveted award, so he writes to his parents, took place at Neuville St Vaast shortly before the English Army occupied that front. He has also been, we understand, slightly wounded in the head by the bursting of hand grenades thrown by the enemy, but after three weeks of convalescence he is one more doing his bit, having now been moved to a spot in France where big fighting is now going on. In his last letter to his parents he said that he was in the firing line and still well.

He has a brother in the French Army (engineers) who has also been awarded the French Military Cross for brave and successful work in mining under the enemy trenches and blowing them up.

Yet another brother has been in the Belgian Army as a volunteer since the commencement of the war, and this brother when in civil life was three times decorated for life saving, having saved two persons from drowning and one from fire.

All three brothers are of one family of boatmen. The father is French and the mother is Belgian. Some of the children were born in France and some in Belgium and it is for this reason that two of the sons are French soldiers whilst another is in the Belgian Army. This fact also accounts for the mixed nationality of the family.

Prior to being called up, Prosper, whilst in Rushden, worked for some time for C. E. Knight, farmer, and later he entered the employ of Messrs. Walter Sargent and Co., boot manufacturers, Crabb-street.

Mons and Madame Zwertvagher are justifiably proud of their sons who are doing their duty so bravely and well.

Rushden Soldier in Belgium - The Canadian Contingent - Heavy Casualties
Gunner J. Walker (Rushden), with the Canadians, writes from Belgium to his father at Rushden says:

“We get a bit of sunshine once in a while, but we still get the rain, too – like to-day. It is raining like the ------, then maybe to-morrow the sun will shine again. I am very sorry to know that dear old John Spencer got killed in action. This is an awful war, the --- Canadian and --- Canadian Contingents have lost in five weeks 7,000 men in action. The --- Brigade, which I used to belong to, got cut up awfully, but the --- Battery were mentioned in despatches last week. I am going to the gun pits to-morrow to see the boys again, but few there are left, and, believe me, there are not many who joined in Winnipeg when I did. Some of the --- Canadians are over here.”

Rushden Man in a Hot Shop
Nearly Forty Thousand Rounds Per Platoon - Germans Use Gas Shells
“Sausage” After “Sausage”
Rushden and Higham Men Made Prisoners
Col. Ripley “One of The Best”
Captain Podmore’s Bravery
Pte. Fred Freeman (Rushden), of the Northants Regiment, son of Mrs. Herbert Freeman, of 16 Orchard-place, Rushden, has been on the western front for ten months and has returned to-day (Friday). His wedding to Miss Hilda Beeby, of Rushden, is reported in this issue. Interviewed by a representative of the “Rushden Echo” he said:

“For the past month we have been resting. My first experience as regards real trench warfare was on Sept. 27th, 1915, when the Germans exploded two mines practically at the same time. We at once had orders to commence rapid fire, and I can give you my word we let ‘em have it, as we fired about 37,000 rounds per platoon, and I daresay there were at least four platoons in our sector. It was not long before we got the order to bomb the Germans out, and a small party went over for that purpose and succeeded in taking the crater. That brought us about ten yards nearer the German first line, which in that part of the sector was not more than 25 yards away from our trenches at any point.

“It was a very hot part of the line there, ‘Sausages’ were coming over every few minutes, and every night mines were sent up either by one side or the other. We stayed in this hot shop for about four months, and I wasn’t sorry when we took over another sector a few hundred yards away.

“In the new position we were between 200 and 300 yards from the German trenches, and we found things a bit quieter until January 29th this year, when the Germans gave us a hot bombardment, using gas shells for about two hours, so that we were wrapped up in our smoke helmets all the time.

“Several yards of our parapet were blown in, and at certain points the enemy succeeded in penetrating our trenches and taking some of our men prisoners. These included Privates Underwood (Rushden), Trusler (Rushden) and E. Winters (Higham Ferrers). The Germans didn’t stay long in our trenches, as we at once counter-attacked and drove them out.

“We remained in this sector for about three months, and at the end of that time we were told we were going to have a rest, and for a month we went into billets.

“We then received orders for the trenches again, and went into another part of the line. Our C.O. (Col. Ripley) and the Adjutant were both wounded by the bursting of one shell as we were taking over the new part of the line.

“Fortunately Col. Ripley’s wound was only slight, and we hope he will soon be back with us, as he is one of the best, and we would all do anything for him. The Adjutant was more seriously wounded in the leg, and we have heard with regret that it is unlikely that he will be able to resume active military duties.

“While Col. Ripley has been absent we have been under the command of Major Windowe, who is also a very popular officer, and greatly respected by all of us. The part of the line where Col. Ripley was wounded was about 300 yards from the German first line.

“In the portion of the sector where I was very hot artillery duels were constantly taking place. It was in an adjacent portion of the sector where the bit of scrapping took place in which Sergt. Horace Sheffield was killed. This was on April 13th. The Germans started a heavy bombardment at 2 a.m. and sent over ‘sausage’ after ‘sausage.’ They kept this up for just over an hour and then they sent a cutting-out party and succeeded in getting into our trenches.

“They did not catch us asleep, however, as a terrific hand-to-hand fight took place, and every German who entered our trenches either had his ‘gas put out’ or taken prisoner. Unfortunately in this set-to Horace Sheffield (Rushden), W. S. Whiting (Rushden) and Drummer E. Fletton (Higham Ferrers) were killed. We did not stay in this sector so long as the others, as after the experience I have just related we only had one more turn in the trenches.

“After we came out the Brigade General addressed us and told us that we had done good work, as we had not only regained what we had lost on January 29th, but had achieved success that would title us to rank as one of the finest regiments in the British Army.

“When I came away on leave the regiment was resting, but the day before I left I had had a march of 38 kilometres, about 20¾ English miles. To reach the station to take the train for home I had another six miles’ march, but I was so pleased to know I was coming home that I never noticed the distance, especially as this is my first leave since I went out to the front on July 26th 1915. I arrived in France on July 27th my birthday.

“In the scrap on April 13th several men obtained medals of some shape or other for gallantry. I believe Fletton, of Higham Ferrers, if he had lived, would have been awarded the D.C.M. Although his hand had been practically blown off by a bomb he ran back along the trench to warn the others, and was killed by the explosion of a ‘sausage.’

“Captain Podmore, who has been decorated for bravery, well deserved it. He was a true hero on April 13th, being up and down the trenches all the time, although ‘sausages’ were bursting all around him. He seemed to be regardless of danger and his good example encouraged the men.”

Rushden Naval Surgeon - Narrow Escape
Lieut.-Surgeon Green - On Board the Nasturtium
Lieut-Surgeon A. Sanders Green, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. A. K. Green, Hayway, Rushden, was on board HMS Nasturtium when, as has been officially announced she sank on April 28th either through having been torpedoed or through having struck a mine. His parents have but few details of the mishap, but their anxiety concerning their son’s safety was relieved by the receipt of a cablegram, sent subsequent to the occurrence, in which he said he was quite safe.

Rushden Echo, 26^th May 1916, transcribed by Kay Collins

Rushden Motorist – Now Out of Hospital

Pte. Harold A Clipson (Rushden), of the Motor Transport, A.S.C., has been in hospital at Port Said, suffering from illness. He has now recovered and has been discharged from hospital, rejoining his old Company.

Rushden Soldier On Leave
Private Bert Roe - Pays a Surprise Visit Home
Mr. and Mrs. Roe, of Park-road, Rushden, last week received a surprise visit from their only son, Pte A. B. (Bert) Roe, of the 5th Northants Regiment, who went out to the western front just twelve months ago. He was looking well and departed for the front again last Sunday. He formerly worked for Mr. Robert Marriott.

Rushden Soldier - Home on Leave - A Saddened Visit
Rifleman B. Twelftree, of the King’s Royal Rifles, son of Mr. and Mrs. Twelftree, of Orchard-place, Rushden, has been home on leave, after having been in hospital at Paignton with a poisoned knee, which he sustained at the front. He enlisted in September, 1915, and was sent to the front in January this year. His homecoming, we regret to say, was saddened by the death of his brother Staff Sergt. Twelftree of the Rushden C.L.B. Rifleman Twelftree returned to his regimental headquarters at Wimbledon on Wednesday.

Football at The Front - Northants Pioneers Win
Playing in Sight of German Observers - And in Range of Anti-Aircraft Guns
Rushden Soldier’s Interesting Letter
Pte. J. Bird (26, High-street South, Rushden), stretcher-bearer in the 5th Northamptons (Pioneers), 17754, C Co, sends us the following:

Somewhere in France,
May 26, 1916

A very interesting football match took place this evening, just behind the line, by teams representing the 5th Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment (Pioneers), and the 1st/2nd Hants Engineers.

The ball was set in motion in the presence of a large and enthusiastic crowd of Tommies who followed the incidents of the game as eagerly as if it had been the final at the Crystal Palace. The game was fast throughout, and at times quite brilliant. In fact, remarks could be heard all round that the spectators had paid to see matches on the County Ground that did not come up to that. The Pioneers did most of the pressing in the first half, but failed to find the net.

After about 10 minutes play in the second half in a melee round the Engineers’ goal the Pioneers scored, and soon after, by a bit of excellent forward play, they were two up, the Engineers failing to reply, and about 10 minutes to time the Pioneers again scored, and the end came with the result:

Northants …………… 3
Engineers .………….. 0

The game could be said to have been played under the eyes of the enemy, as two of their observation balloons could be seen in the distance, and our aeroplanes were circling overhead and constantly came under the fire of the enemy’s anti-aircraft guns, but I am pleased to say they had to signal a miss (wash-out) each time.

I hope you will find a space for this in your valuable paper, which is eagerly sought for each week by all the local lads. more about the Bird family

Rushdenites in the “Scrap”
Another Dose of Naval Warfare - For Three Local Heroes - All Safe and Unharmed
Those of our readers who are anxious for the welfare of Rushden sailors will be pleased to learn that as yet no Rushden sailor’s name is included amongst the lists of casualties.

As far as can be ascertained, however, three Rushden sailors were in the thick of the great Jutland sea fight, and all three having come through unscathed.

Seaman William Longland, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Longland, of 218, Wellingborough-road, Rushden, was on board H.M.S. Lion, Sir David Beatty’s flagship, throughout the action of last week, and has therefore participated in two exciting sea fights while on the “Lion,” for on Feb 19th, 1915, we published an account of an interview which a representative of the “Rushden Echo” had with this young sailor, who is not yet 19 years old, shortly after the great navel fight of January 24, 1915, in which the famous German battleship “Blucher” was sunk. Seaman Longland said that the German Navy had made a special mark of the “Lion” from the commencement of the war, and on more than one occasion she had been subjected to torpedo attack by enemy submarines, but had managed to escape serious damage by skilful manoeuvres. We are pleased to hear Seaman Longland has sent a postcard to his parents, saying that he is quite safe and unhurt, and to hear that the famous “Lion” has once more emerged triumphant, and undamaged by the spite of the enemy.

Musician Alec Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Smith, East Grove, Rushden, was on H.M.S. Princess Royal, which, it is reported was in the thickest of the fighting last week, and he has written twice since the action to say that he is safe and unhurt, and Stoker Leonard Ball, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ball, of Pratt-road, Rushden, was also on the “Princess Royal.” He, too, has written to say that he is quite safe.

The three sailors mentioned above all took part in the Dogger Bank fight on Sunday, Jan 24, 1915, and, as announced in our columns at the time, all three came through unscathed. The crews of the “Lion” and the Princess Royal,” together with the rest of Sir David Beatty’s squadron, are reaping a harvest of fame and glory out of the war, and we wish these three Rushdenites and their ships every success in the future. They have all three now had two good doses of naval warfare, which they are not likely to forget for a long time to come.

Rushden Soldier Wounded - Lce-Cpl C. W. Harbour - Meets With a Second Injury
Mrs. Harbour, of West-street, Rushden, received official news last Sunday that her son, Lance-Corpl. C. W. Harbour, of the Canadian Contingent, is in hospital with a shrapnel wound in his left arm.

On Wednesday morning she received a letter from her son in which he wrote: - “I am getting along fine and wounds are doing well. Of course, it will take a little time for them to heal up, as they are very bad. I have three wounds in the arm, one very bad, and my face has been cut about with shrapnel, but I hope I shall soon be all right again.”

This is the second time Lance-Corpl. Harbour has been wounded, the last occasion being in May last year, when he was sent into hospital with a strained knee, and about 13 shrapnel wounds in various parts of the body.

As reported in the “Rushden Echo” at the time, one of Lance-Corpl. Harbour’s brothers was killed in action last year. Another brother is a sergeant in the Canadian Contingent, at present in England. A brother-in-law, Sergt. Hussey, is now at home on leave. One of Lance-Corpl. Harbour’s younger brothers is in the training corps of the Rushden C.L.B., and a younger sister is in the Rushden Girl Guides. This is a fine family record.