Badly Wounded By Shrapnel - Private F. Bird
In a Precarious Condition - Metal Embedded in the Brain
We regret to report that Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bird, of 84 Wellingborough-road, Rushden have received news that their son, Pte. F. Bird, of the Northants Regt., and who resides at 10 Station-road, Rushden, is dangerously wounded in the head by shrapnel.

He is now in Ipswich hospital and we are sorry to report is in a very precarious condition and the medical staff so far entertain no hope of his recovery.

It was on June 16th that he received his wounds. A piece of shrapnel became embedded in his brain, and another piece severely wounded him in the left hand.

It is the wound in the head that is accountable for his serious condition, as the doctors have failed in their attempts to remove the missile.

His wife and mother have been with him for over a fortnight, and other members of his family have been to see him. He is quite conscious but suffering much pain. He is 33 years of age, and has one little girl.

Enlisting in October, 1915, he proceeded to the western front on March 28th this year. He was one of Capt. Stocken’s recruits, and before taking up his military career was employed by Messrs. Lawrence Bros, John-street, Rushden.

Rushden Soldier Recovers - Driver Frank Griffiths
Now out of Hospital - Eight Holidays on Foreign Soil
Driver Frank Griffiths (Rushden), of the A.S.C., writing to us from Salonica, says:

“I dare say by now you are wondering where I am, but I am now out of hospital. Will you be so kind as to publish in the ‘Echo’ the following: I wish to thank all the kind friends that wrote and sent to me while I was in hospital, as there were so many and I couldn’t answer them all. I am glad to say I have recovered now, and am with my unit again.

“I will give you a slight illustration as regards my adventures. The day I was to leave France, I had to go up the line with an urgent despatch, and when I was returning my motor broke down. After I had spent an hour on it repairing different parts, I got on it again and started for my unit. I hadn’t been on above five minutes before my front forks snapped and down I came with such a bump. The next I remember I was in a medical clearing station. Well, I came round all right, with more of a shock than bruised, and then I left for my company. At that time I was attached to the Reserve Despatch Riders of the 11th Division. Well, we left for Marseilles on the same night and put out for Lemnos Island, which we reached ten days after. From there we went to Suvla Bay, where we had to get ashore as best we could. Many of my chums were drowned in so doing. We remained there two days, then I got five small pieces of shrapnel – two in my hand, one in the knee one in the wrist and one in the thigh, but, as luck would have it, all of them put together would not make one good wound.

“Well, I was sent to Alexandria, and got my wounds dressed and from there I came here. The first night I got here we had an aeroplane raid, and it was only by a miracle that I escaped unhurt. I was only about 100 yards away, when the French ammunition dump went up. I would very much like to stay here now till it finishes, so that I could see the final. It is very quiet here, though, as regards gunfire. I suppose there will be a smash up before long. I think this year will see the last shot fired. I have been at the front two years next August, and I hope that, as I have spent about eight holidays on foreign soil, I shall have the pleasure of spending the next Christmas with my loved ones. I will close now wishing your paper the best of luck and hoping to receive the ‘Echo’.”

Rushden Soldier Hurt - Pte G. W. Darnell
Suffering from a Bullet Wound in the Right Foot - Germans Short of Shells?
Private G. W. Darnell (Rushden), 2606, the --------- Manchester Regt., is now in Adelaide-street Hospital, Blackpool, wounded by a bullet in the right foot. After 15 months’ service in France, he has just returned to England. He first went to Ypres, and he says it was a bit warm there. After that they went to the Amiens district, and there they relieved the French. At first, he says, it was like going home, for the Germans fired neither bullet nor shell at them, but when they knew that the British were there they soon sent a few over.

After Private Darnell had been there for two months he was sent to Rouen, suffering from rheumatism, but he was soon sent back again, and he joined the battalion on the left of Albert, “where,” he says, “they give you something for nothing.” He was on the look-out for two hours, but had only just looked over to top of the trench and got down off the fire-step when he felt something like a hammer hit him on the foot. Looking down, he saw the blood. Without waiting to see where it came from he made off at once to the dressing station to see what was wrong.

Prior to his enlistment Pte. Darnell lodged with Mr. and Mrs. Rockingham, of Dell-place, Rushden. In a letter to his old lodgings he says: “I am in hospital, wounded in the right foot, but I am going on pretty well, considering. Will you please send me the ‘Rushden Echo’ as soon as I let you know where I am going?”

In a further letter he says: “I do not think the war will last much longer as things are now beginning to move. This last three months it has been only work from morning to night, carrying shells to the trenches. They talk of Hell! It will be worse than that, for there are thousands of shells, and guns, too, and if the Germans can stand that they must be a marvel.

“A bombing party of ours went out the night before we came out for a few days, and went over to the Germans’ trenches and when they got over there they found no Huns there, and so I think they are getting scarce. They are getting short of shells, for where they used to fire ten shells now they fire one.”

Rushden Soldier Wounded - “Two Little Beauty Spots”
Pte. T. H. Parker Makes Light of his Injuries - “I Had To Laugh”
In Tuesday’s official list of wounded the name was given of Pte T. H. Parker (Rushden) 22210, Northants Regt. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Parker, of 21 Montague-street, Rushden, and we are pleased to report that his wound was but slight, as it only incapacitated him for a week and he is now back in the trenches.

It was three weeks last Wednesday that he received his wound, and in a letter to his sister, Mrs. H. Allen, describing the incident, he writes:

“Just a few lines to let you know that I received the paper and box all right, I got the box at half-past one this morning. I was out in between our lines and the visiting patrol brought it out to me. I was just thinking of opening the box when I got hit in the chin with a bullet. It went in one side and out the other, and did not touch any bone or my teeth. Our captain said it was the luckiest shot he had ever seen. It was just like being hit in the face with shovel. When it hit me I thought it had knocked my face in. It does not hurt – only smarts. I had to laugh when I saw it washed, just two little holes, one each side. I am being sent down the lines somewhere, but I don’t know where. I hope it is England. I thought I would write before anybody else did, for you don’t know what they will make of it, for they saw me when I was smothered in mud and blood, and they would think I was hit badly, for they had got the wind up, as we had two hours’ shelling the day before, and there were six of my section hit pretty badly. There was a shell burst three yards from me, and I ‘never had a touch,’ as Steve (his pal) says when he goes fishing. You must tell mother as best you can, for I expect she will be a track, but it really is nothing, only two little beauty spots, souvenirs.”

Rushden Soldier in Hospital - Private “Ralph” Attley
Wounded in Both Legs - A Remarkable Escape
Pte and Mrs. Wallace Attley, of 2 Pemberton-street, Rushden, have received news that their son, Pte Phil (Ralph) Attley, of the Northants Regiment, has been wounded in both legs, and is now in hospital at Newcastle. The first information they received was from Pte A. J. Tomlin, R.A.M.C., as follows under date June 30th:-

“This is being written by the orderly on the ambulance train going to Newcastle. I am a Northampton man, so I thought you would like to know about your son, as he cannot write while on the train, so I am doing it for him. He is wounded in both legs, but it is not serious. I have just looked at his wounds and they are going on very nicely. He was hit last Wednesday morning, 28th inst.”

Later Pte and Mrs. Attley received a postcard from their son as follows:-

“Just a line to let you know I arrived at Newcastle early this morning (Saturday). I can hardly realise that I am back in good old Blighty. Don’t worry too much; I haven’t got it so bad, but that it might have been worse.”

Pte Phil Attley, we understand, met with a very narrow escape last March whilst engaged with a working party, and it was undoubtedly a clip of cartridges in his belt that saved his life. An enemy bullet smashed his gas helmet and, passing downwards, struck his ammunition belt and penetrated a clip of cartridges, in which it became embedded. He has sent the clip of cartridges home to his mother as a souvenir.

Rushden Soldier Injured - Pte Ralph White
Wounded in the Chest, Arm and Finger
Mr. and Mrs. White, of 11 John-street, Rushden, have received official news from the War Office that their son, Pte Ralph White, has been wounded in the chest, arm and little finger. This news has been received with much regret by his relative friends and associates, but all hope and trust that he will soon be well once more to take up his duties again. Pte White’s mother and father and his only sister (Miss L. White) are awaiting further news from France to know how he is getting along. Mr. and Mrs. White have also received a letter from the Chaplain of the regiment, saying that Ralph had been wounded.

Wounded in the Big Push - A Batch of Rushden Casualties

Mr. and Mrs. E. Maddams, of 58 Harborough-road, Rushden, received this (Friday) morning a field card to say that their son, Pte. Harry Maddams, of the Northants Regiment, has been wounded and admitted into hospital.

Mr. and Mrs. J. Burgess, of 27 Harborough-road, Rushden, received news this (Friday) morning that their son Pte. S. Burgess, of the Northants Regiment, has received a bullet wound in the shoulder, and arrived at the North Evington Military Hospital, Leicester yesterday. In a letter to his parents under yesterday’s date he writes:- “Just a few lines to tell you that I was wounded in action on July 1^st and I am now in ‘Blighty’ at Leicester hospital. It happened in the advance on the Somme, but it is not serious – a bullet in the right shoulder.”

Mr W [sic] Wilmott, of 98, Park-road, Rushden, received a field postcard this (Friday) morning from her son, Pte. A. Wilmott, of the Northants Regt., to say that he has been wounded and admitted to hospital.

News has been received this (Friday) morning that Pte. Percy Wrighton, Northants Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Wrighton, of 96 Harborough-road, Rushden, has been slightly wounded. It is hoped that he may shortly be removed to England. About five weeks ago Pte. Wrighton was at home on leave.

Mrs T. Panter, who lives with her daughter Mrs. R. Mackness, 28 Oakley-road, Rushden, received news yesterday that her son, Pte. John Panter, of the Lincoln Regiment, has been slightly wounded in the left knee, and is in hospital at Bristol. Pte. Panter received his wound in last Saturday’s attack.

Rumour Regarding a Rushden Man
An unpleasant rumour has been circulated in Rushden this week to the effect that Pte. Fredk. Hopper, 18033, Northants Regt., who is well known in the district, has been killed in the great offensive of the British in France. Mrs. Hopper, Pte. Hopper’s wife, who resides at No. 23, Alfred-street, Rushden, informs us that she has received no written communications on the matter, but she fears that, as the rumour is so prevalent, there must be something behind it. She is very anxious to know how the rumour was started and what there is in it. We would request anybody who possesses any more information about it to call at the "Echo" Office, Rushden, or at Mrs. Hopper’s address stated above. Providing the rumour has no truth in it–and we hope it has not– we would like to state that the spreading of rumours like that without foundation is a serious offence, and should be at once prevented. It is thought that the rumour originated in the C.W.S. shoe factory, Rushden.

Rushden Soldier Injured - News Confirmed
In our last issue we reported unofficially that Pte Arthur Wilmott, of the Northants Regt., son of Mr and Mrs Wm Wilmott of 98, Park-road, Rushden, had been wounded in the face. Official confirmation was received on Tuesday morning. Pte Wilmott is now in a hospital in Manchester.

Nothing to Worry About - Rushden Soldier’s Cheerfulness
Pte William Dickens - Wounded in the Shoulder
Mrs S. Dickens, 104 Glassbrook-road, Rushden, received on Tuesday a field postcard from her son, Pte William Dickens, 13882, Northants Regiment, to say that he had been wounded and had been admitted in hospital. This was dated July 8th, and on Wednesday a letter was received from the wounded soldier as follows:-

“Dear Mother and All, -- Just a line to let you know that I have arrived in England once more, with a hospital ship this time, though. I got hit with a piece of shell in the right shoulder on Friday, but it is nothing to worry about, or I should not be able to write this letter. Pte H. Hornsby (in the same company) got hit the same day, I was told ……… I was not sorry when I got away. – 13882 Pte Dickens, B 10 Ward, No1 S.G. Hospital, Dudley-road, Birmingham, July 11th.

Pte Dickens is 21 year old. He enlisted in Sept. 1914, and formerly worked for Messrs. Nurrish and Pallet, Rushden. His father, Driver S. Dickens, is serving with the A.S.C. in France, having joined on the 25th of February 1915.

Wounded in The Big Push - Rushden Soldier Injured
After Sixteen Month’s Service - Pte Harold Hornsby
Mrs. D. Hornsby, 68 Glassbrook-road, on Wednesday morning received a field postcard form her son, Pte Harold Hornsby, 13849, Northants Regiment, to say that he has been wounded in action.

Pte Hornsby enlisted in Sept. 1914, and up to the “big push” has escaped without a scratch, having been out about 16 months.

A brother of Pte Harold Hornsby, Pte Sidney Hornsby, is also serving with a machine gun section of the Northants Regiment in France, and another brother, Pte Alfred Hornsby, is on home service with the Signal Troop, Yorkshire Mounted Brigade, now at Beverley, Yorkshire.

Pte Harold Hornsby formerly worked for Messrs. Robinson and Son, shoe manufacturers, Rushden. He is 22 years old. His wound is mentioned in a letter of another wounded soldier, Pte William Dickens.

First Soldier Wounded - In The Big Advance
Rushden Man’s Unpleasant Experience
Mr. and Mrs. Wills, 157 Cromwell-road, Rushden, have this week received news that their son, Pte Tom Wills, 13137 Northants Regiment, has been wounded in the big push and is now in a military hospital at Liverpool. In a letter home the wounded soldier says his wound is not serious – a bullet in the left leg. He also says that he was the first to be “toppled over” in the advance of the British on the morning of July 1st. he was expecting to be home before very long.

Pte Wills enlisted in September, 1914, and is now 18 years of age. He formerly worked for Messrs. Sanders and Sanders, shoe manufacturers, Rushden. He has been in France 12 months and has not been home since going out.

Lucky To Get Out Alive - Rushden Soldier in The Great Advance
Private Sydney Johnson - Wounded in the Leg
Mrs. S. Johnson, 10 Spencer-road, Rushden, last week received a field-card from her husband, Pte Sydney Johnson, 17955, Essex Regiment (formerly of the 1st Northants), to say that he had been wounded and admitted into hospital. This was followed by another to say that he was going on well. On Saturday morning Mrs. Johnson received a letter from her husband giving the information that he had arrived in England, and that his wound was caused by a bullet in the calf of his left leg. He was wounded on Saturday, July 1st, at 8 a.m. presumably in the great advance, for he writes that the fighting was awful and he wished he could forget it.

Pte Johnson joined the army 15 months ago, and has been out in France nine months. He has not yet been allowed any leave. He has had many lucky escapes and in his last letter he said that he considered himself very lucky to get out of the fight alive.

Before his enlistment he was employed by Messrs. Nurrish and Pallett, shoe manufacturers, Rushden. He is 30 years of age.

In Turkish Hands – Rushden Man a Prisoner of War
Yesterday Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Long, of Rushden, received a postcard yesterday from their son, Driver P. W. Long, of the 63rd Battery, R.F.A., who was captured at Kut with General Townshend’s force. Mr. and Mrs. Long were for a considerable time without news of the son, until they saw from the official report that he was one of the prisoners of war taken by the Turks. It was not until yesterday, however, that Mr. and Mrs. Long heard direct. Drive Long now writes: "June 3rd, 1916—I have been seriously ill. I am getting better, in hospital in Bagdad, a prisoner of war." He adds that the siege of Kut lasted four months, and that it was simply awful.

Rushden Soldier Quite Well - In Spite of Rumour
Mrs. Hopper, of Alfred-street, Rushden, received a letter last Tuesday from her husband, Pte F. Hopper, Northants Regiment, stating that he was quite well. This disposes effectually of the disquieting rumour current in Rushden, and referred to in last week’s “Rushden Echo.”

Rushden Man Now in Hospital
In our issue of July 7th we reported that Mr. and Mrs. White of 11 John-street, Rushden, had received official news that their son Pte Ralph White had been wounded in the chest, arm, and little finger. They were anxious for further news, and since then they have received news that their son is now in a military hospital at Liverpool and is doing well.

Wounded In Both Arms - Rushden Soldier in the Big Push
Private J. Sherwood - Now in English Hospital
Pte Joseph Sherwood, 18777, Northants Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Sherwood, of 8A Albion-place, Rushden, has written a letter to his wife, of 2 Albion-place, to the effect that he was wounded on July 8th in the big push. He gives the information that he was wounded in both arms, and in a postcard later he says that he has arrived in England and was on his way to York.

Captured By The Germans - And Rescued by The English
Rushden Soldier’s Lucky Escape from The Huns - Kept Without Food or Water
Mr. and Mrs. W. Clayton, 151 Queen-street, Rushden, have received news that one of their soldier sons, Lce-Cpl Frank Clayton, Suffolk Regiment, has been wounded in the big push of the British. The news was contained in a letter which Mr. and Mrs. Clayton received on Friday last. By the same post there arrived a field-card and two postcards from the wounded soldier, which had evidently been posted before the letter. The letter is as follows:-

“I now have the pleasure of writing these few lines to let you know that I am getting on all right and am now in England. I have struck a lucky place, in a big private mansion of Lord and Lady Samuel’s in Kent, and it is splendid. There are only a dozen or so of us here, and we have the best of food and comfort.

“On July 3rd our regiment made an attack, and on that day I was wounded and captured by the Germans. There were a lot of us taken prisoners and we were put down a dug-out with Germans to guard us. Well, all those who could walk were taken to Germany and six of us were left behind. During our time with the Huns we had practically nothing to eat or drink. After we had been with the Huns two days an officer and a private of ours died, leaving four of us. Four more days we remained in agony. Then one morning when we were all asleep I woke and heard someone shout down the dug-out ‘Who’s down there?’ We did not answer as we thought they were Germans, but a very short time after we found out that they were the East Surry Regt., and they had recaptured us, thank God.”

Corpl. Frank Clayton’s wound, according to the field-card which arrived at the same time as the letter, does not appear to be at all serious. This is his second wound, as he was wounded in 1915 at the memorable Battle of Hill 60.

His brother Sergt. Samuel Clayton was killed in September, 1914, being the first Rushden soldier, we understand, to be killed in this war. Another brother, Pte Harry Clayton is now serving in France, and on Sunday last his parents received a letter from him, from which we take the following extract:-

“I am still alive and in the best of health. Sorry I could not write before. I suppose you know the letters were stopped for six days. I saw Howard Mantle (son of Mr. and Mrs. Mantle, Queen-street, Rushden) and Leonard Bailey (son of Mr. and Mrs. Bailey, also of Queen-street, Rushden) this morning, and they are quite well. I am not in the trenches at present. We have done our share for a little while. I am sorry to hear that Horace Childs has been wounded. I have been lucky this last four days. It has been hot, but I am still alive.”

Pte Jack Sanders, another brother, was wounded on Sept. 22nd, 1915, at the Battle of Loos. Mr. and Mrs. Clayton have a reason to be proud of their “fighting family.”

Rushden Soldier in Germany - Private J. T. Foreman – A Prisoner of War
In the official list of British prisoners of war in Germany occurs the name of Pte. J. T. Foreman, 18108, Northants Regt., son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Foreman, of 66, Glassbrook-road, Rushden.

He was reported missing on April 13th this year, and Mr. and Mrs. Foreman have received several communications from Germany from their son. He gives the information that he is being treated fairly well and there is no need to worry. The name of his present camp is "Baraque 2 B, Camp de Prisonniers de Guerre, Friedricksfeld (bei Wesel, Rheinland)."

The prisoners, according to one of his letters, are allowed to write four postcards and two letters a month and no more. They are made to work by the Germans, and he says any parcels of food or even money would be very welcome to them. He is 25 years old. Mrs. Foreman has another son serving in France with the Royal Engineers.

Rushden Bandsman - Wounded by Shrapnel
News has been received that Lance-Corpl J. G. Cowley, of the Northants Regiment, has undergone an operation, and had a piece of shrapnel extracted from his chest. He is a brother of Mrs. W. Edwards (nee Nellie Cowley), of 42 Moor-road, Rushden, and was a former member of the Rushden Temperance and Town Bands. He is now in hospital at Cambridge, we understand, and making satisfactory progress.

Wounded – Three Rushden Men
Ptes. A. Ette 22926, W. Groome 22414, and S. Nichols 18791, Northants Regt., are this week officially reported wounded.

Rushden Soldier Injured - Pte Arthur Ekins - In a Poor State
Mr. and Mrs. S. Ekins, of 90 Wellingborough-road, Rushden, this week have received official news that their son, Pte Arthur Ekins, 12780, Northants Regiment, has been wounded in action in France, sustaining a compound fracture of the shin, caused by shrapnel. His mother has been to see him in an English hospital (Whalley) and says that she found him in rather a poor state, and it is not yet knows whether his injured leg will have to be taken off or not. Pte A. Ekins enlisted just after the outbreak of the war, having just reached his majority. He was formerly employed by the Rushden and Higham Ferrers Gas Company. His brother, Pte Sam Ekins, aged about 35, is in the Sussex Regt.

Severe Shrapnel Wound - Lance-Corpl. Stock’s Nasty Injury
Rushden Territorial in Hospital
We regret to state that Mr. and Mrs. A. Stock, of 5 Fitzwilliam-street, Rushden, have received news that their son, Lance-Corpl. W. A. Stock, Northants Regiment, was severely wounded in the British advance on July 15th. His injury, at the bottom of his back and stomach, was caused by shrapnel. He has been operated on at Rouen, and has been brought to England, and is now lying in hospital at Birmingham. His wife has been to the hospital to see him and finds that he is progressing as well as can be expected.

On the outbreak of war Pte. Stock was working at the shoe factory of Messrs. Jaques and Clark, Rushden, and, being a Territorial, was called up for service abroad.

Wounded In The Left Arm - Young Rushden Soldier Injured - Private Fred Freeman
Pte Fred Freeman 13132, Northants Regiment, has written to his wife, of 65 Little-street, Rushden, to say that he has been injured in the British offensive, sustaining a shrapnel wound to his left arm. He says there is no cause for worry as his wound is not serious. He mentions that Lance-Corpl. Will Stock, son of Mr. and Mrs. Stock, of Fitzwilliam-street, Rushden, and husband of Mrs. Stock of 61 Little-street, Rushden, has been wounded.

Ten weeks ago Pte Fred Freeman was home on furlough, and it was then that he was married to Miss Hilda Beeby, of Little-street, at the Congregational Church, Rushden. He enlisted in September, 1914, being an employee at the Express Boot and Shoe Works, Irthlingborough. He went to the front for the first time on July 27th, 1915, and when he came home ten weeks ago he gave a “Rushden Echo” representative a thrilling account of his experiences at the front. He was 24 years of age on Wednesday this week.

Rushden Soldier Ill in Hospital
Official news has been received from Warley by Mrs. Knightley, of 2 Fletcher-road, that her son, Pte Frederick Knightley, 23757, Norfolk Regiment, is sick in an Australian Hospital, Wimereux. Pte. Knightley went out to the front six weeks ago and formerly worked at Messrs. Robinson’s shoe factory, Robert-street, Rushden. He has just attained his majority.

Ambulance Men Under Fire - Rushden Stretcher-Bearer
In the Trenches - Tons of Ammunition
Pte A. Dicks, 63718, 104th Field Ambulance, France, in a letter to his sister, Mrs. Nunley, of Orchard-place, Rushden, with whom he had made his home for some considerable time before enlistment, says:

“Thank goodness we are out of it at last. We have been working four days and four nights in the trenches. It was terribly hard work and we were all done up – no sleep, except when we could snatch a few hours. Water and mud were up to our knees – in fact, sometimes we had to get a man to pull our legs out while we held the stretcher.

“I came through without a scratch. We only had a few wounded, and lost none of our men; we were lucky. We seem to be getting on with it very well, though.

“I never want to see another lot like that. We are resting now for a bit, but I don’t know for how long. I can tell you it is not very nice to be expecting a few ‘German iron rations’ to find you. We put tons of stuff over. I shall be glad when it is all over. Please send me a small tin of Keating’s powder; we are not quite walking but nearly.”

News has been received that Pte. A. Nobel, No. 124269, —Battalion, Canadian Regt., has been wounded by shrapnel in the right knee and is at the Canadian base in France. He says that it is only slight and that he is progressing favourably. Pte. Noble is an old Rushdenite, the son of Mr. J. Noble, of London, Ontario, Canada.

Rushden Soldier Hurt - Private H. Beeby Slightly Wounded in the Leg
Mr. and Mrs. William Beeby, of 65, Little-street, Rushden, have received a letter from their son, Pte. H. Beeby, 17891, Northants Regt., in which he says he has received a slight wound in the leg but that he is going on well. He writes: "I got through the attack all right, and then ‘stopped one’ after".

Pte. Beeby is now in No. 2 Canadian General Hospital, Le Treport, France. On a field card his parents first received he said he was wounded on July 24th. He enlisted in April 1915, prior to which time, he was employed by Mr. H. Jaques, boot manufacturer, Rushden. He has been at the front since last September.

Wounded in Five Places - Rushden Soldier Injured for the Second Time
Mrs. G. Baker, of 5, Sussex-place, Rushden, received news that her son, Sergt. J. W. Baker, Northants Regt., has received wounds in five different parts of the body, and is now in a Manchester hospital where he is progressing favourably.

This is the second time Sergt. Baker has been wounded, the previous occasion being in October, 1914. He has seen four years’ service with the colours.

Bullets Right and Left - Rushden Soldier Wounded Several Times
But Not Very Seriously - Terrible Scenes
Mrs. Geo. King, of 35 Spencer-road, Rushden, whose husband, Pte G. King, of the Northants Regiment, has been wounded and admitted into hospital, has received from him the following letter:-

“I am sorry to have to tell you such bad news. It was 1.30 on Sunday morning, we were ordered to make an attack on the Germans, and never in my life shall I forget it. To see the chaps fall it was marvellous anyone was left. I was struck in both thighs and across the stomach all at once by bullets. I crawled to some K.R.R.’s and got them to bind me up, then I started to find our own trenches, the best way I could, as there was no one to help me back as they were sticking to what they had gained.

“I had not gone far when I was struck again in the muscle of my right arm. I stopped again in a shell hole and bound it up with a pocket-handkerchief, and struggled on again, but again my luck was out, as I was struck again in the right shoulder. I stopped and bound it up the best I could.

“Weak with loss of blood and pain, I nearly gave up, as it was a long way for me to go to the dressing station in our own lines, but I kept my senses and struggled on until I got there and they soon put me some fresh dressings on and they laid me down on a blanket and gave me drink until the stretcher bearers came and took me away to hospital. This is the fourth one I have been in, but I am glad to tell you that my wounds are not serious – only one in the right thigh. I had it X-rayed last night and there are a few little pieces in it, and the doctor says they will not trouble me much as they may work out all right in time. I have marked for England and expect to start away any time. I can thank the Lord that I am alive to tell the tale, I pray to God, as many others did, before we went into action.

“We lost a good many before we went into action. Poor Mr. Partridge was killed instantly. A week last Saturday night, a piece of shell struck him across the top of the head, and we had 9 more wounded as well, all with one shell, and his cousin got his arm blown off the next day. It was grieving to see the dead and wounded lying about.”

Rushden Soldier Injured
Right Eye Taken Out - Wounded In The Face And Chest
Pte T. Reeves (Rushden), who formerly worked for Messrs. Sanders and Sanders, boot manufacturers, Rushden, is in the Royal Infirmary at Bristol, having sustained nasty injuries in action on July 7th. He was caught in the face, eyes and chest. The right eye has been operated upon and has been taken out, as the sight had been destroyed. In a letter to his brother-in-law he says he considers himself lucky, as he never thought he should get out of the engagement alive.

Wounded In Ten Places - By A Bursting Shell
Pte “Sam” Smith’s Misfortune - Left Leg Amputated
Mrs. Langdon, of 75 Newton-road, Rushden, has received news that her brother, Private Sydney T. (“Sam”) Smith, has been dangerously wounded in France. The first news was contained in a letter from Pte Smith himself to his sister (his mother being deceased) in which he said that while he was on sentry duty at 3 p.m. on July 21st a shell burst near him and he was wounded in ten places, five in his left leg and five in his right leg. He had to undergo two operations, and the wounds in his left leg were so severe that the limb was amputated. The letter was written from the 3rd Stationary Hospital at Rouen and was dated July 25th. Shortly after receiving the letter Mrs. Langdon received a telegram form Warley Casualty Office to say that her brother was "dangerously wounded, and no permission to see him could be allowed."

From what we can gather, Private S. T. Smith was wounded just after he had written to Mrs. Taylor, of East-grove, Rushden, to notify that lady of her son’s death while on sentry duty on the morning of July 20th, the day before Private Smith was himself injured. Private S. T. Smith and Private Percy Taylor were chums in civilian life, and, we believe, enlisted together. Private Smith was 23 years old and formerly worked at Messrs. Cunnington’s shoe factory, Rushden. He was well known in the town and was for some time a member of St. Mary’s C.B.L., Rushden. He went out to the front in December, 1915.

Rushden Soldier Hurt - Private W. Dickens - Of the Midland Railway Staff
“The Germans Are All Cowards”
Pte. W. Dickens, of the Northamptons, formerly machine man at the M.R. station, Rushden, has sent the following letter to Mr. Weale, of Rushden:

“Just a few lines to say I am getting on all right in this hospital, where I have been since last Tuesday. I was wounded in Trones Wood on July 14th. If you look at the map of the advance, you can easily find out where we have been fighting in the River Somme district. I have got a pretty bad wound in the left leg, and I had to undergo an operation before leaving the hospital at Rouen. I was hit by an explosive bullet, and some poisonous matter must have contracted, but I am glad to say I am feeling comfortable now. I am in a large hospital, but have not yet had the opportunity of getting about – they won’t let me get out of bed. Sorry to say that our Battalion suffered very badly.

“The Germans are all cowards. They fight like hell when we were 30 yards away, but when we got in close quarters they held their hands up and would not show any fight at all, but they did not all get taken prisoners – we put ‘paid’ to some of them. I hope you will make this unfortunate news known to all the staff.” [see also Railway Roll of Honour]

Rushden Soldier Hurt - Private H. Beeby - Slightly Wounded in the Leg
Mr. and Mrs. William Beeby, of 65 Little-street, Rushden, have received a letter from their son, Pte H. Beeby, 17891, Northants Regiment, in which he says he has received a slight wound in the leg but that he is going on well. He writes: “I got through the attack all right, and then ‘stopped one’ after.”

Pte Beeby is now in No. 2 Canadian General Hospital, Le Treport, France. On a field card his parents first received he said he was wounded on July 24th. He enlisted in April, 1915, prior to which time he was employed by Mr. H. Jaques, boot manufacturer, Rushden. He has been at the front since last September.

Wounded In Five Places - Rushden Soldier Injured for the Second Time
Mrs. G. Baker, of 5 Sussex-place, Rushden, received news that her son, Sergt. J. W. Baker, Northants Regiment, has received wounds in five different parts of the body, and is now in a Manchester hospital where he is progressing favourably.

This is the second time Sergt. Baker has been wounded, the previous occasion being in October, 1914. He has seen four years’ service with the colours.

Journalist Soldier Wounded
The parents of Bombardier F S Clayton, Queen-street, Rushden, have received a hospital card, stating that their son has sustained a shrapnel wound to the right hand. The wounded soldier is attached to the Siege Battery, R.G.A. He was on the staff of the "Evening Telegraph" at Wellingborough when he joined up. [see also Annie Bettles' coming of age - ?engaged?]

Seven Serious Wounds - Rushden Soldier Under a Terrible Fire
Four Comrades Killed on the Spot - Cheerful in Spite of Injuries
We regret to report that Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Clarke, of 78 Cromwell-road, Rushden, have received news that their son, Pte Charles Edward Clarke, of the Northants Regiment, was severely wounded on July 19th. He is now in Netley Hospital and thither his parents journeyed to see him last Saturday. They found him suffering from no fewer than seven very bad wounds, but remarkably cheerful considering his severe injuries. He has one wound on the chin, another in the chest, and another in the left leg. His right leg and foot are very badly injured, and his little toe and part of the foot have been shot away. His right arm is shattered, and the bones shockingly splintered. He received his injuries, so he told his parents, whilst he and six comrades were preparing breakfast. The enemy sent over a perfect barrage of shells. Four of his comrades were killed on the spot and he and one other received severe wounds. He has been on the western front since July 16th, 1915, so he received his wounds within three days of the anniversary of his arrival in France. Mr. and Mrs. Clarke have two other sons in the Army – Pte F. Clarke, of the Machine Gun Section, Northants Regiment, who has been at the front twelve months, and has had no leave, and Pte Herbert Clarke, who joined the same battalion but who was transferred to another regt., and who has been in Egypt since Jan. 28th this year. Two sons-in-law are also in the army but at present have not been sent to the fighting area.

Rushden Soldier Wounded - Bombardier Fred Stanley Clayton
Formerly of The “Rushden Echo” Staff
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Clayton, of 92 Queen-street, Rushden, have received a card from the 11th Stationary Hospital, France, to say that their son, Bombardier F. S.Clayton, 59202, of the --- Siege Battery, R.G.A., has been seriously wounded in the right hand.

Bombardier Clayton enlisted on Oct. 16th, 1915, and went to France early in June this year. He was formerly a member of the “Rushden Echo” staff.

Pte. W J Austin

Buried Three Times – Rushden Soldier Wounded a Second Time – Speechless for Three Hours
News Wanted of Pte W J Austin
Mr and Mrs R W Austin, of 138, Cromwell-road, Rushden, have received news that their son, Pte T S Austin, 7481 —Beds Regt., has been wounded for the second time, and has been admitted into the 1st Convalescent Depot, Boulogne, France. The official information is that he was wounded on July 28th, and on a card the soldier sent himself he wrote:

“We had a very hot time of it the other day. I was buried three times, and was speechless for three hours. Excuse me not writing before as I could not keep a limb still. I am down at the base at present, and I am a little better now, but I am deaf as a post”.

Mr and Mrs Austin have another son at the front—Pte William James Austin, 7566, Northants Regt. They have not heard from this son for seven weeks, although they have written to him several times. They are feeling a little worried concerning him, and would be glad of any information any of his comrades can send them.

Rushden Soldier – Returning to England Wounded
Mrs. Henry Clayton, of Queen-street, Rushden, received the following letter from Nurse F. Pennington of the 11th Stationary Hospital at midday last Friday:-

"Dear Mrs. Clayton—Your son Fred of the — Siege Battery, R.GA., wishes me to write and let you know that he has been wounded in the right hand, and is in the 11th Stationary Hospital, Rouen. It is possible that he may be going to England in a few days. " He was formerly of the "Rushden Echo" staff.

Thanks - Sergt. G. Freeman, Special Brigade, R.E., now in the 26th General Hospital, B.E.F., France, has sent the following letter to Miss. M. Mary Mason, 174, Cromwell-road, Rushden (daughter of Mr. J. F. Mason), who had written her name and address on an egg she had contributed:- "Many thanks for your egg. I enjoyed it very much indeed. I am sure it is very good of you and your friends to think of the boys over here. I am sorry to say that I am in the above hospital. My brother is a Postman at Rushden and lives in Alfred-street, but at present he is serving his King and Country. I hope you are well. I am getting on very nicely and I hope to be back at the Germans again. The weather here is very hot indeed. I think we have got the Huns beaten now, and we mean to. Well, good night and God bless you".

Winning Through To Victory - General’s Fine Message to The Troops
Men Undismayed by Deadly Fire - Magnificent Display of Disciplined Courage
Driver Blinco, 102509, Royal Horse Artillery, son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Blinco, 10 Woburn-place, Rushden, has written to his parents as follows:-

“I am writing a few lines in answer to your letter I received with the ‘Rushden Echo’ to-day. I am in the very best of health and hope you are the same. I think nearly all Rushden are in mourning for someone now. There have been a few casualties just lately among the Northants according to the ‘Rushden Echo.’ I am enclosing a message. I want you to keep it.”

The message which he enclosed is from Lieut-General Sir Almer Hunter-Weston, K.C.B., D.S.O., and is addressed to “All Officers, N.C.O., and men of the 8th Army Corps.” In the course of his message Sir Almer says:-

“It is difficult for me to express my admiration for the splendid courage, determination, and discipline displayed by every officer, N.C.O., and man of the Battalions that took part in the great attack. All observers agree in stating that the various waves of men issued from their trenches and moved forward at the appointed time in perfect order, undismayed by the heavy artillery fire and deadly machine gun fire. There were no cowards or waverers, and not a man fell out. It was a magnificent display of disciplined courage worthy of the best traditions of the British race.

“The ---- new Army Division, and --- Territorial Division, by the heroism and discipline of the units engaged in this their first big battle, have proved themselves worthy to fight by the side of such magnificent regular Divisions as the --- and ---. There can be no higher praise. We had the most difficult part of the line to attack. The Germans had fortified it with skill and immense labour for many months. They had kept their best troops here, and had assembled North, East and South-East of it a formidable collection of artillery and many machine guns. By your splendid attack you held these enemy forces here in the North and so enabled our friends in the South, both British and French, to achieve the brilliant success they have. Therefore, though we did not do all we hoped to do you have more than pulled your weight, and you and our even more glorious comrades who have preceded us across the Great Divide have nobly done your duty.

“We have got to stick it out and go on hammering. Next time we attack, if it pleases God, we will not only pull our weight but will pull off a big thing. With such troops as you, who are determined to stick it out and do your duty, we are certain of winning through to a glorious victory. I rejoice to have the privilege of commanding such a band of heroes as the 8th Corps has proved themselves to be.”

Official Letter Incorrect - Rushden Soldier Wounded
But Officially Reported Missing - Pte Sydney Hook
A case in which a War Office letter was incorrect is presented by Mrs. S. Hook, of 17 Midland-road, Rushden, who has received several cards and letters lately to the effect that her husband, Pte Sydney Hook, ------ Worcester Regiment, has been wounded in action in the leg. Last Friday Mrs. Hook received a War Office communication to say that her husband was missing, but on Tuesday this week she received a further postcard from her husband himself, saying that his limb was progressing well, and this, of course, dispelled all doubt as to his safety. It is seldom indeed that a War Office message is found to be so incorrect as that.

Pte Hook joined the colours in March last and went out to France on July 1st, his training being very rapid. He joined with the Bedford Regiment, but was transferred to an active service Worcester Battalion.

Lance-Corpl. E. B. Smith’s Illness - A Successful Operation – Rushden Man Treated in Hospital
Mr. and Mrs. B. Smith, 77, Tobinson-road, Rushden, received a field-card last week from J. Ryan, a Kettering man, to say that their son, Lance-Corpl. E. B. Smith, was ill in hospital in France. On the day after the arrival of that card they received a letter from the nurse at the hospital at which their son was taken, conveying the information he had undergone an operation for appendicitis and was going on all right. Later Mr. and Mrs. Smith received a letter from Lance-Corpl. Smith himself, stating that he was in hospital in Scotland, having landed there on Sunday and was going on very well. He hoped to soon pay a visit home.

Rushden Soldier – Home on Leave
Pte. Ralph Linnitt (Rushden), of the 29th Canadians, is home on leave for 10 days. His wounds have so far healed splendidly and he is looking exceedingly well. Everyone is pleased to see him so cheerful, going about amongst his friends in Rushden, and making the most of his leave. Pte. Linnitt has been attached to the .C.A.C. at Folkestone, and all hope he will fully recover from his wounds.

Rushden Soldier Wounded - Pte A. C. Turner - of The Public Schools Battalion
Pte A. C. Turner, of the Public Schools Battalion, has been wounded in action in France, and has been brought to England, where he is now in hospital. Pte Turner (who is the son of Mr. G. R. Turner, second officer of the Rushden Volunteer Fire Brigade) is an old Wellingborough Grammar School boy, and before he enlisted in the Army he was fulfilling an appointment at Derby in the Civil Service.

Suffering From Shell Shock - Rushden Soldier’s Startling Experience
Buried in Debris - Cast Up by a Bursting Shell - Underneath Three Dead Men
Third Time Wounded
In the official lists of wounded this week appears the name of Pte Walter Albert Victor Goodfellow, -- Northants Regiment, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Goodfellow, High-street South, Rushden. We learn from letters sent by comrades of the wounded soldier and from Pte Goodfellow himself that he was buried by earth cast up by a bursting shell and is suffering from shell shock and bruises.

A stretcher-bearer, whose home is at Higham Ferrers, says they dug three dead men out and underneath them they found Pte Goodfellow, unconscious, but not seriously hurt. This happened on July 11th in the second stage of the great advance.

This is the third time that Victor Goodfellow has been wounded in this war. His first wound was in the ankle, but only slight and he received it while getting a German Helmet. Sometime later he was wounded in the head, but not very seriously. Both wounds were reported in our columns at the time.

In his latest letter home, Pte Goodfellow says that the most trying and terrible period of the recent advance was between July 1st and July 5th.

Pte Goodfellow volunteered for the colours in the first week of the war, and was one of the first to go out to France. He formerly worked in the finishing department at the factory of Messrs. Walter Sargent and Co., Crabb-street, Rushden.

Rushden Officer Wounded – Now in Hospital
Lieut. A. W. Holland, of the Northamptonshire Regt., was seriously wounded on Sunday last, and is in hospital at Boulogne. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Holland, Dale House, Stony Stratford, he was a clerk at the Rushden Branch of the Northamptonshire Union Bank when he enlisted in December 1914. He went to France early in April this year. He was a Lieutenant of the Church Lads’ Brigade at Rushden.

Rushden Soldier in Hospitaln - Pte A. R. Hodgkins Wounded
How Lieut-Col Mobbs Led His Men
Pte A. R. Hodgkins (Rushden), 17234, Northants Regiment, has been wounded in Action in France. His parents Mr. and Mrs. A. Hodgkins, of 82 Newton-road, Rushden, received a field card from him on Tuesday morning stating that he was wounded but going on well.

However, a Rushden lady, Miss Tomkins, of 36 Queen-street, Rushden, who is employed in the office at Duston War Hospital, paid a visit home this week and told Mrs. Hodgkins that her son was going on well, his wounds not being very serious.

Another Rushden lady, Mrs. Cooper, of Queen-street, has since paid a visit to the Duston hospital, and there had an interview with Pte. Hodgkins, who had wounds in his left knee, his left thumb, and in the head (slight). He told Mrs. Cooper that he was wounded in a charge which his battalion made against the Germans. He described the charge as terrible. Lieut. Col. Mobbs, the popular officer, who led the men, was slightly wounded, but kept with his men, the men and himself displaying great fearlessness.

Pte. Hodgkins enlisted in Feb. 1915, and went out to France nearly 12 months ago, coming home on leave last Whitsuntide.

Shrapnel & Bullet Wound - Pte. George Talbot - Hurt But Going on Well
Mrs. George Talbot, of Ealing-terrace, Rushden, whose husband is in hospital at Newport, Mon., has received the following letter: "I am writing to you for your husband who arrived here yesterday. He was wounded at High Wood on the Somme, on August 20th. He has a slight bullet wound on the right forearm and a shrapnel wound on the right hip. They operated on him in France and got all the metal out of him, and he is now going on as well as ever possible, and there is nothing serious or anything to worry about. It is only a matter of a few short weeks before he will be knocking about again. Of course, he is unable to write himself, because his right arm is bandaged up. The nurses tell me that he will have no permanent disablement, and that in due time have nothing to show but a few scars. Your husband is thankful to be where he is, and his wounds will keep him from being sent out to France again for a long time to come. "

Pte. Talbot formerly worked for Messrs. Groome, Rushden Hill. Mrs. Talbot is a daughter of Mr. John Cox, whose son, Pte. Wm. Cox, is in this issue reported wounded.

Rushden Family Bereaved - Lady Loses Her Brother and Two Nephews
Sad News Received at a Funeral
Mrs. C. Cox, 86, High-street-south, Rushden, last week had news that her brother and two nephews had died for their country. Her brother, Pte. A. Dilley, Royal Defence Corps (home service), who was over active service age, contracted double pneumonia and died a week last Monday, after only a few days’ illness. On the day of his funeral (a week yesterday), only two hours before the funeral service, news was received that his son, Pte. Fred Dilley, Northants Regt., had been killed in action on July 14th. Pte. F. Dilley was the husband of Mrs. F. Dilley, of Mulsoe-street, Finedon. The news was afterwards confirmed by several communications from the front, and it was stated in one that he was killed by shell fire. His father, who had been an old soldier, had seen ten years’ service before the war. The son, Pte. F. Dilley, had been officially reported missing for six weeks.

The deceased father had four other sons in the army. Pte. W. Dilley, in a Northants Battalion, is in the trenches in France; Pte. Bert Dilley is serving in France with the R.A.M.C.; Signaller Harold Dilley is on active service with another Northants Battalion; while Corpl. Albert Dilley, Essex Regt., was wounded 11 months ago at Ypres by a shell, but has not yet recovered, and underwent an operation last week. A brother-in-law of these four, Pte. A. E. Ablett, of Irthlingborough, has been twice wounded, once at the battle of Loos (being then in the Northants Regt.), and again in the recent Big Push in July. When he received his last wound he was buried by earth cast up by a shell. In some of his letters to his wife at Irthlingborough he gives lucid descriptions of German trenches which had been captured, how they had every comfort in them, electricity, cupboards, stairs, etc. He also said that when his regiment took a German trench in the recent advance the Germans threw up their hands and, offering them watches, jewellery, rosaries, and other things, implored the English not to kill them.

Mrs. Cox’s other nephew reported killed besides Pte. F. Dilley was Pte. Bert Allen, Northants Regt., a Wellingborough man, who has lived in Albion-place, Rushden.

Fighting for Two Days – Without Food or Drink
Rushden Man’s Luck – Twice Wounded and Once Gassed
Pte. William Cox, son of Mr. John Cox, of Ealing-terrace, Rushden, is now in the County of London War Hospital at Epsom, and sends home the following letter: "Sorry to say that I have been wounded again. It is worse this time than it was last, but sheer up, you must think yourself lucky that I am alive at all. I have got it this time in my left shoulder, and it has come out of my back; it has gone right through without touching any bones. I don’t think I shall be home for another week or two, but I hope the war will be over by the time I am better, as I don’t want to out there any more. We were fighting for two days hand-running without anything to eat or drink, so you can tell what a state I was in. Well, I think I have told you all, so cheer up, and remember me to all at home".

Mr. and Mrs. Cox are going to Epsom today to see their son. Pte. Cox, before enlisting, worked for Messrs. Sanders and Sanders.

Rushden Man’s Accident

Sergt. Gunnery Inst. C. Clark - Breaks his Collar Bone
Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Clark, of "Wellingtonia", Irchester-road, Rushden, have received a letter from their son, Sergt. Gunnery Instructor Chas. Clark, R.F.A., to say that he has met with a nasty accident on the western front. He has sustained a broken collar bone, a badly bruised left arm, and a crushed knee. He has been sent home and landed at Southampton last Wednesday, being transferred to Leicester Military Hospital on Tuesday. Thither his parents will journey to see him as soon as the necessary permission has been obtained.

Private T. H. Parker - Wounded a Second Time
Mr. and Mrs. George Parker, of Montague-street, Rushden, have received news that their son, Pte. T. H. Parker, Northants Regiment, was wounded for the second time on July 18th and is now in hospital at Rouen, suffering from shrapnel injuries in both legs. A piece of shrapnel has been removed from the left thigh, and a portion of brass shell casing out of the right knee. Fortunately the injuries are not serious, and Pte. Parker is making satisfactory progress. Pte. Parker, who had previously served with the colours, re-enlisted with Capt. Stocken’s recruits in October, 1915, and went with a draft to France in the following April. He was formerly employed in Mr. B. Ladds’s factory, and is on the Rushden Congregational Church’s roll of honour.

Rushden Soldier in Hospital
Pte. Harry J. Partridge - Seriously Wounded
Three Brothers in Khaki
Pte. Harry J. Partridge (Rushden), Northants Regiment, son of Mrs. Jesse Partridge, 17 High-street South, Rushden, has been very seriously wounded, we regret to report, and is now in Fazakerley Hospital, Liverpool, where he is making slow progress. His sister, Mrs. Charles Croot, visited him on Monday and found him very bright and cheerful although he has lost his left arm, which was shattered by a shell, and he is also wounded in both thighs and in the right hand. The shell which cost him the loss of his arm killed three of his comrades outright.

His cousin, the late Pte. Ernest Partridge (Rushden), was killed on the day before Pte. Harry Partridge received his wounds.

Before enlistment Pte. Harry Partridge was employed by Messrs. Wm. Green and Sons. He joined the colours on the outbreak of war, and when he lost his arm had been at the front altogether 18 months. He had been previously wounded on May 9th, 1915, and was then sent home until about ten days before last Christmas, when he returned to the western front.

Mrs. Partridge has two other sons serving their King and country – Pte. Fredk. Partridge, Northants Regiment, who has not yet gone to the front, and Pte. Bert Partridge, of the Australian Contingent, who is in France and who has just recovered from a bad attack of enteric fever, which has incapacitated him for six weeks. Pte. Bert Partridge left Rushden for Australia five years ago, and it was there that he enlisted.

Rushden Soldier Wounded
Pte. C. W. Johnson Struck By Shrapnel
Enemy’s Machine Guns - “On Us Like a Shower of Rain”
News has been received by Mrs. Johnson, 9, Sussex-place, Rushden, that her husband, 18120 Pte. C. W. Johnson, Northants Regiment, has been wounded and is now in Ward R. 7, East Leeds War Hospital.

He received a shrapnel wound in the right leg at Pozieres on July 24th, and has been under two operations.

In a letter to his wife Pte. Johnson writes:-

“I shall never forget the night we went to take a trench. I was with a machine gun, and we had the order to go over the top and take the German line. As soon as we were over, the machine guns were on us like a shower of rain. We couldn’t do anything with them. We had 32 machine gunners, and 17 got bowled over. We had orders to get back to our trench, and I got back all right, but when I and Beeby from Rushden were frying some bacon we both got hit together. We were sent to the Canadian hospital at Treport. I was there just a month and now I am here. I don’t want to be in a hot shop like that any more. The fellows went down like mowing grass. I lay low and kept there, we couldn’t fire.”

In another letter he writes:- “Nobody knows how it is out here, only those who are out. The morning I got wounded there were hundreds killed. I was lucky but I have enough to go on with.”

We are pleased to report that Pte. Johnson is making satisfactory progress. Pte. Johnson enlisted twelve months last April, and up to the time of joining the colours was an employee of Messrs. Skeeles and Sons. He had only been at the front five weeks when he received his wound.

Egyptian Influenza – Rushden Man in Hospital
Pte. Harold A. Clipson (son of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Clipson, of Rushden), with the Motor Transport Section in Egypt, is in hospital, suffering from Egyptian influenza, but is making good progress.

Rushden Journalist – Wounded in Right Hand
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Clayton, of 92, Queen-street, Rushden, have received further news from their son, Bombardier F. Stanley Clayton, R.G.A., formerly of the "Rushden Echo" staff, who, as we reported, was wounded in the right hand about a month ago.

He is now in Mater Hospital, Dublin, and writes in cheerful strain that he is progressing favourably, although he is suffering from shell shock, and is likely to lose the use of the thumb of his right hand. He is, we understand, obliged to write with his left hand.

Wounded - Mr and Mrs Q George, of 33, Little-street, Rushden, have received news that their son, 15306 Private F W George, Northants Regt., is wounded in the right side of the chest by shrapnel, and is in No. 12 General Hospital, Rouen. The first news that Mr and Mrs George received was from Canon Adderley, chaplain to the forces, who wrote that Pte. George was seriously wounded in the chest, but that every attention was given to him.

Shortly afterwards Mr and Mrs George received a field card from their son in his own handwriting, but there followed a telegram from the Record Office, Warley Common, as follows:- “Regret to inform you that 15306 Pte. Frank W George, — Northants Regt., is dangerously ill in 12th General Hospital, Rouen. Regret that permission to visit him cannot be granted.”

This wire sent out from Warley Common on Sept. 9th has naturally caused anxiety, but we consider that their fears may be allayed by the following letter written by their son himself, also under date Sept. 9th:-

“Just a few lines to let you know I am a little better at present. No doubt you would hear I was wounded as the chaplain took the address and said he would write. I came down from the line on Wednesday and am getting on a bit now. I am wounded in the chest on the right side by shrapnel, and I have been X-rayed, and they have found it, so I expect to go under an operation before so very long. I am still hoping to get to England, as they keep going away all the time.”

Private George enlisted on Sept. 8th 1914, just after the outbreak of war. He went to France just before Christmas last year, and up to the time of receiving his wound had come through quite safely. Prior to enlistment he was employed by the C.W.S.

Invalided - In a letter to his brother, Mr F Noble, 3, Moor-road, Rushden, Pte. A Noble, — Canadians, says that, after recovering from a shrapnel wound to the right knee, he is now sent back to England, suffering from appendicitis.

Keeping Fritz Busy - A Long Job Yet
Rushden Soldier’s Experiences in The Battle of the Somme
Only One Officer Left - Half of Regiment Lost
A Rushden soldier of the Northants Regiment, whom we reported wounded a short time ago, and who is now in hospital at Rouen, has sent an interesting description of the Somme fighting in a letter to Mr. Rands, of the Oakley Inn, Rushden. He writes:

“Just a few lines to let you know that I am alive and going strong. I have been through the mill since I wrote last. I have been in hospital a week now, and what has become of my two partners I do not know. If you hear anything about them you might let me know as I can’t get to hear out here. I came out about 5 o’clock, and we went over at 2 o’clock, and we had lost about half the regiment. Then I heard that we only had one officer left. I got knocked out, as we were getting in the enemy’s trench, with shrapnel in both legs. We got over cushy enough but when we had been in the trench an hour or so Fritz got round us some road and started bombing us out of it.

“I don’t know how he got round us as he did, but I think the sentries were killed by machine gun fire. He is hot stuff with them. Anyhow, the half company where I lay had to get out, and I as well, or be taken prisoner, so they cleared, I after them as well as I could. There were not above three or four got back alive. Fritz had got a curtain fire on besides machine gun fire. I got four bullets through my tunic and my bandolier blown up in the air, so I thought it was about time to stop. I dropped in a shell hole and stopped there till it got a bit quieter. There were four more in the hole with me, but they were all dead. It was not a very pleasant time I had there, I thought of that game of skittles, but never expected to get out alive to play it, but my luck was in for once. Our people took the trench again in the evening, and I came out to play that game.

“We are keeping Fritz pretty busy now, but it will be a long job. The further we get him back the deeper he is in, and he wants some fetching out. I hope you will be able to find out how Teddy (Pte. E. Coleman, Rushden) and Toddles (Pte. Gell, Riseley) are and let me know.”

Pte. Gell’s relatives have, we understand, received a field card to say he is all right.

In regard to 14788 Pte E. Coleman, Northants Regt., also mentioned above, we regret to report that his relatives have received information from unofficial sources that he is missing. They have not, however, received any communication themselves to that effect, but have not received a letter from Pte. Coleman for over a month.

His sister, Mrs. A. Waller, 1A, Midland-road, Rushden, will be glad of any information concerning her brother which any of his comrades can send her.

Rushden Canadian – N.C.O. Rejoins as Private
Ex-Sergt. T J Long, Queen’s Own Rifles (son of Mr and Mrs C S Long, of Beaconsfield-terrace, Rushden), who has recently been in camp in England, has now left for France as a private. They have two options, either to stay in England as instructors, or to temporarily revert to the ranks. Their pay, etc., stands, and a special certificate goes with them, so if they prove their worth in real warfare they return to their rank.

The whole bunch of N.C.O.s in his unit reverted to the ranks in a body. They say they all came from Canada to fight and intend doing so.

Rushden Man at Salonika - Driver Frank Griffith - Battling With The Heat

Driver Frank Griffith (Rushden), of the A.S.C., with the British Force at Salonika, sends us the following letter, dated August 22nd:-

“I am writing on behalf of myself and of all my chums, for the cheerful moments we derive from the ‘Rushden Echo’ every week, and we all wish to thank you our utmost for same. It makes us quite happy to be able to see local events. I am sorry to see so many of the Rushden boys in the casualty list. My word, we were lucky when we got moved from France last Christmas, but, all the same, I wish I was back again with the old boys.

“It is all right here as regards shot and shell, but after you have been amongst it for 15 months it seems so strange to never hardly hear a shot. I suppose we have got our turn to come here. When the boys have put ‘paid’ to the Germans they will come here and have a go at the Turks and Bulgars. The sooner it is over the better.

“I have nothing very startling to write, because we have no exciting events here like we had in France. I wish things would move on a bit. There is one thing we have to battle out here, though all the same, that is the heat, and also malaria fever. It is rather bad in all the Balkans, I think, but we can’t grumble considering. We wear knicks and cork helmets, and still the perspiration pours off us, and in the winter I suppose it is just the reverse, bitter cold. Well, I will close now, wishing the ‘Rushden Echo’ the best of luck.”

A Loyal Rushden Family - Brothers in Arms
Driver Harry Denton and Pte Horace Denton
Mrs. C. Denton, of 57, Robinson-road, Rushden, has received a letter from her son, Driver Harry Denton, of the Indian Army Corps, as follows:

Harry Denton	Horace Denton

Another son, Pte. Horace Denton, of the Northants Regiment, writes as follows:-

“I suppose you are having some nice weather at home now. We are having it very hot out here all the time. We are on the move again, but I don’t know where we are going. I think it is a nice little place, as we are right up the desert at the present time. Something tells me we shall be home for Christmas.”

Rushden Soldier Wounded - Rifleman J. E. Ladds - “A Terrible Battle”
Mr. and Mrs. Ladds, of Victoria-road, Rushden, have received news that their son, Rifleman J. E. Ladds, King’s Royal Rifles, has been wounded in action in France. They have had two letters from their son to this effect, and in the second he says:

I was shot through the calf of my left leg about 6 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 15th. There are about 2,000 wounded in the Camp where I am. I got here at mid-night on Sunday. We are expecting to be moved to England any day.

“It was a terrible battle which I was in. I don’t want to be in another. I had to go about two miles after I was hit, the best way I could, to the dressing station. I had three days and three nights in the trenches and no sleep – the guns kept us awake.”

Good Work by “Tanks” - Infantry “Tickled To Death”
Rushden Soldier Says “It Was Surprising” - Making Advance Easier
Writing to Mr. E. H. Cox, of 18 Westbourne-grove, Rushden, Gunner J. Walker (Rushden), R.F.A., on the Western front, says:

“We are doing fine on this new front we just took over. We made a great advance yesterday and this morning, too, and are expecting to go ahead pretty fast now. We are not giving the Germans any time to dig themselves in at all. We took about 400 prisoners – they looked as if they were glad to be taken. I wouldn’t care to be a German these days, the stuff we put over to them day and night, and they don’t send much stuff over to us, considering what we give them; they seem pretty much all in.

“We have got a new idea for advancing. We use caterpillar engines, strongly armoured, with machine guns mounted on them, and they go ahead of the Infantry. We used quite a few of them, and there weren’t half so many killed as there generally are. By gee, it was surprising. Well, we are extra busy but we don’t mind so much as long as we know we are going ahead. The Infantry fellows were tickled to death to see our artillery fire doing such deadly work on the Germans, and our officers are well pleased with us. We have to change gun crews here every six days, as we cannot get any sleep up here, then we go down to the home lines for six days, so it isn’t so bad.”

Rushden Footballer Missing
Sergt. Albert Edward Allibone, Northamptonshire Regiment........... Fosse Club

Rushden Soldier Wounded - Private F. Clarke - Injured in Both Legs
Mr. and Mrs. W. Clarke, of 78, Cromwell-road, Rushden, have received information that their son, Pte. F. Clarke, ---Northants Regt., aged 22 years, was wounded on September 28th in France, and is now in the Northern General Hospital at Lincoln. The first news came in a letter dated Sept 30th and written by Pte. Clarke himself, from a St. John Ambulance Hospital in France, in which he stated that he had received a bullet wound in each leg. This letter was followed by an official intimation to the same effect, and afterwards by another letter from the wounded soldier, dated October 10th, which stated that he had arrived at the Lincoln hospital and that his right leg was nearly better, but his left leg was still in splints.

Pte. Clarke enlisted in April 1915, and has been in France about 14 months. He was employed by Mr. Fred Knight, boot manufacturer.

Two Attacks of Dysentery
Ten Weeks in Bed - Rushden Soldier Now Convalescent
Private Harold Brockliss (Rushden), 128373, A.S.C., writes from a hospital in Malta to a “Rushden Echo” representative to say that he has been in bed ten weeks after two attacks of dysentery, but is at last out of bed and going on nicely. In his letter he says that they had a pretty rough time at Salonica. The intense heat, the bad water, and the terrific storms in between made things pretty lively. His company was sent right up into the mountains, and, in his own words, it was “some” climb. It was after he had been here a few weeks that Pte. Brockliss had his first attack of dysentery. He was sent down to hospital in Salonica, remaining there for a fortnight, and then to Malta by hospital ship. Two days after arriving there he had another attack, worse than the first. However, he adds:

“It is a splendid hospital that I am in (Imtarfa Hospital, Malta), and everyone seems to do everything to make our stay here as pleasant as possible. There are plenty of papers and books for the bed patients, and two or three concerts every week for those who can get about. I can’t tell you much about Malta yet, but from where I am sitting I can see St. Peter’s Church and monastery – the second largest church in the world. It is a splendid building, and I hope to go inside and have a look round before leaving here.”

Buried Up To His Waist - Soldier’s Painful Experiences
Pte. John Clarke Loses His Right Food and Breaks the Left Leg
Mrs. J. Clarke, of 13, Park-place, Rushden, has received news from her husband, Pte. John Clarke, Middlesex Regiment, to say that he has lost his right foot, and that his left leg is badly broken.

He is now in the 1st Southern General Hospital, Birmingham, and, according to his own account, is progressing favourably towards recovery. He writes under the date Oct. 13th:-

“We have had a very rough time of it, and I have been very unlucky, and probably you will have heard before you receive this, but we must cheer up and look on the bright side of things, as it might have been worse than it is. I have lost my right foot in one of the trenches. It is jolly hard lines, but I thought it was all up with me, as I was buried up to my waist. By the way, I was very lucky to get my wounds dressed as soon as I did, as some of them are such a long time. I got right through and am now down at the base in hospital.

“I had an operation performed at one of the dressing stations coming down from the line. They cleaned it, &c., and the doctors and nurses say it is going on beautiful, and no doubt I shall soon be in England, and then you perhaps will be able to come and see me. My other leg is very badly broken, so that I am quite helpless with my legs, but that will be all right in a day or two.”

In a later letter, written in England under date Oct. 17, he writes:-

“We were just being relieved when I got hit. We were going right back for three weeks’ rest. We had just started from the front line trench when I got hit, and I had to be carried six miles, first in the trenches on a stretcher, then two miles in a Red Cross van with four horses, and the roads were so bad. Oh! It was terrible. Then about four miles in a Red Cross van. I had it dressed at every dressing station, and then I was operated on. Then I had about ten more miles’ ride, and the same night I was put in the train and brought down to the base hospital, about a mile from where we laid when I first got to France.”

Pte. Clarke was called up with his group on June 1st this year, and went to France a month ago to-day. The week before he received his wounds he was knocked over by a piece of shrapnel which struck him in the back but left him otherwise uninjured. In his own words, it “only warmed by back up for about half-an-hour.”

Prior to joining up he had worked for Mr. Fred Knight for 13 years. He was a member of the Rushden Athletic Club.

Rushden Soldier Wounded - Private W. Goodliffe - Injured in the Arm
Pte. W. Goodliffe (Leicestershire Regt.) son of Mrs. H. Goodliffe, of 1, Westbourne Grove, Rushden, received a wound in the arm on Sept. 25th, and is now in hospital at Barry, near Cardiff, whither his mother has been to see him. We are pleased to report that he is progressing favourably. Pte. Goodliffe, who had been in France 14 months when he received his wound, enlisted 12 months last Whitsuntide. Prior to enlistment he was employed by the Coxton Shoe Company, Rushden.

Rushden Soldier - Recovering from a Wound
Lance-Corpl. George Drage (Rushden), of the Royal Fusiliers, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Drage, of 6, Robinson-road, Rushden, has just spent ten days’ leave at home, after 12 weeks at Billinge Military Hospital, where he was taken after receiving a wound in the shoulder from a piece of a shell on July 25th on the Western front.

It is a coincidence that Lance-Corporal Drage enlisted on the 25th of a month, he was wounded on the 25th, and reported back to his depot last Wednesday – also the 25th.

The shell from which Lance-Cpl Drage received his wound killed three of his comrades and wounded several others.

Lance-Cpl Drage enlisted Feb 25th, 1915, prior to which time he was a clerk in the employ of the Rushden and Higham Gas Co.

Cheerful - In Spite of the Loss of a Leg - Rushden Soldier in Hospital
In our last issue we reported that Pte. John Clarke, Middlesex Regt., husband of Mrs. Clarke of 13, Park Place, Rushden, had unfortunately lost his right foot and that his left leg was badly broken. Mrs. Clarke has now been to see her husband, who is in the 1st Southern General Hospital, Birmingham. She found that the right foot had been amputated a few inches above the ankle. Pte. Clarke is getting on as well as can be expected, though he is not able to get much sleep. The left leg is very painful, but Pte. Clarke keeps cheerful.

Suffering from Trench Fever - Rushden Soldier in Hospital
Two Narrow Escapes with The Machine Gun Section
Exciting Experiences on The Somme
Mr. and Mrs. Chas Tysoe, 54, Wellingborough-road, Rushden, have received official news that their son, Pte. Wallace Tysoe, Northants Regiment, is in No. 4 General Hospital, France, suffering from trench fever.

Pte. Tysoe volunteered for the colours nearly two years ago, and, proceeding to France, fought in the battle of Loos, when he was severely wounded in the left thigh. He was then sent to a Manchester hospital, where he remained seven weeks, and after a period of convalescence he returned to the western front about eight months ago, and, having been attached to the machine gun section, has had some extremely exciting experiences on the Somme. Twice he has narrowly escaped death, as on one occasion his gun was blown up by a shell, and he was knocked off his feet and suffered severely from shell shock. After a few days’ rest he was again attached to his old battalion. Two of his comrades were killed at that time and two others were badly wounded, the rest escaping with a severe shaking. On another occasion a portion of a shell struck him on the calf of the leg, but on that occasion he escaped with nothing but bad bruises.

Prior to enlistment Pte. Tysoe was employed by Messrs. Sudborough and Sons, boot manufacturers, Wellingborough.

Mrs. Tysoe has now received a letter from her son to say that he has arrived in England, and is in hospital at Manchester. He is recovering slowly from rheumatic fever and chronic neuritis.

Rushden Soldier Slightly Hurt – Knocked Over by Shell Explosion
Mrs. A. Dickens, of 36 Grove-road, Rushden, has received a letter from her husband, Pte. A. Dickens, Suffolk Regt., to say that he has had a narrow escape, and sustained a slight injury but fortunately not sufficiently serious to warrant him entering hospital. He writes under date Oct. 30th:

“Going into the trenches on the first night was an experience I shall never forget. It was a bright moonlit night and we could be plainly seen by the enemy, so we were shelled and sniped at both by machine gun and rifle fire, but I’m very pleased to say that I got through all right. I had a very narrow escape about two miles before reaching the line. A shell burst quite close on my left, and the force of the explosion knocked me over. My neck and right hand were slightly cut but not enough to worry the ambulance about, so i was lucky to get off so lightly.”

Pte. Dickens, who was one of the first members of the Rushden Company Volunteers, joined the regular forces last April, and has been in France about six weeks. The training he had received with the Volunteers served him in good, as within a few weeks of joining up he obtained his marksman’s certificate as the best shot in his battalion.

At that time he was carried shoulder high by his comrades and awarded £1 by his lieutenant, whom he beat.

News was received yesterday that he has been picked out for a machine gun course, and he writes that from what he has seen of it he will like it better than the duties in which he has been engaged. He will be kept, he writes, as a reserve gunner.

Prior to enlistment Pte Dickens was employed by Messrs. Whiting & Co. as tuner.

Interesting Letter from Rushden and Higham Ferrers Men
Climbing the Pyramid - The Wonderful Sphinx
Bandsmen H. Rice and F. Webb (formerly of Rushden and Higham Ferrers) – Garrison Batt., R.W.F., Egyptian Expeditionary Force, send us the following interesting letter:-

“If you would be so kind as to allow us just a little space in your most valuable paper for the purpose of telling our numerous friends in Rushden a few of our experiences in Egypt we should be greatly obliged.

“It is now just over eight months since we left the shores of dear old England for this land of mystery, we having in that time seen many peculiar sights which would interest most people. After eight months of strenuous labour under the rays of a fierce Egyptian sun, we were last week granted by the C.O. an entire day’s holiday. Our band, of which we are members, unanimously decided to devote this day to a visit to the Pyramids.

“We started on our ten mile journey just after 9 a.m., arriving at our destination about three hours later. When we had rested for a short time, two or three band fellows and ourselves decided to climb the great Pyramid of Cheops, the highest in Egypt. We can hardly describe to you the difficulties that beset us on our climb upwards, but we do know this, that after quite half-an-hour’s toil we reached the summit, a little broken in the body, but by no means in the spirit. The view that we obtained from this altitude was glorious in the extreme, the seemingly endless desert stretching in silent grandeur on our one side and the beautiful city of Cairo on the other.

“After spending a short time here we descended, making our way then towards the wonderful Sphinx and its temple. The latter is built of solid granite blocks brought from Aswan. Only the subterranean portions remain. Next we retraced our steps and entered the pyramid that we had already climbed. One has to be very careful, as the stones are very slippery. After about ten minutes’ sliding and slipping we were able by the help of the guide, to enter the queen’s chamber, where the queen of King Cheops was buried, and then the king’s chamber, where he was buried. We did not stay here very long, as it was much too hot to be comfortable. About 100 yards away from the Pyramid a whole herd of camels awaited us for the purpose of transporting us to our dining place. We are afraid you will be inclined to laugh when you see the portrait that we are enclosing, for we think that we cut but sorry figures astride these animals. Well, after making a bit of a mess of the eatables that were catered for us, the whole band decided to finish a very pleasant day in boating on the Nile. As we do not wish to encroach any further upon your kindness, we now close, wishing, in conclusion, every success to your valuable paper, which is sent out to us weekly, and which we have great pleasure in reading.”

Rushden Soldier Injured - Driver William Blenco Kicked by a Horse
Mr. and Mrs. Blenco, of 10, Woburn-place, Rushden, have received news that their second son, Driver William Blenco, of the Royal Horse Artillery, is in the British Red Cross Hospital, Netley, suffering from an injury to the right knee caused by a kick from a horse. He suffered a similar accident some time ago when he was kicked in the back, but his injuries were not then sufficiently serious to warrant his being sent home.

The injured soldier has written to say that he is able to sit in a chair, but not for long, as he knee soon begins to ache when he gets out of bed.

Driver Blenco enlisted on August 16th, 1915, and had been at the front about a year. Prior to joining up he was employed by Messrs. Eaton & Co., boot manufacturers, Rushden. He has just turned 19 years of age.

Rushden Family’s Casualties

Pte. Frank Clayton	Pte. Harry Clayton	Pte. Jack Sanders	Pte. Joe Charles

The four members of the family of Mr. Clayton, of 115 Queen-street, Rushden, whose portraits are given above, have all had their full share of adventures during the war. From left to right they are:

Pte. Frank Clayton, 2nd Suffolks, who was captured by the Germans but recaptured by the British.

Pte. Harry Clayton, Northants Regt., who is now reported missing.

Pte. Jack Sanders (stepson), Royal Sussex,, who has been wounded.

Pte. Joe Charles (son-in-law), Northants Regt., who is also wounded.

Soldier Chums - Having a Ripping Time - One With a Bullet in His Leg
Writing to us from a camp in the East, Pte. F. Griffith (Cromwell Road, Rushden) says:- “I met Pte. Sid Fletcher, of 14, Griffith-street, Rushden, here. I was quite surprised when I met him. He and I were quite pals before war broke out, and I never thought I should ever meet any such person out here. We are having a ripping time, and both of us are practically in the pink condition, but my friend has got a bullet in his left thigh, and cannot walk as well as he might, otherwise we are both as happy as two sand boys, practically forgetting there is a war on. But I think we both deserve a spell, because we have been on active service now about two years and had the hardships of two terrible winters. We are always talking about where we are going when the war ends. If we go everywhere we have planned we will have quite a business for at least six months. I hope to be able to spend Christmas, 1917, in dear old Rushden, with a few more of the boys, but I am very sorry to have to state that practically all of our chums have been killed and that only Sid and I are living to tell the tales of woe. I hope to be able to continue as lucky as I have always been. Wishing the “Rushden Echo” the best of luck.”

Rushden Soldier in East Africa
Pte. W. Hobbs, of the South African Infantry, son of Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Hobbs, of Rushden, is, we are pleased to say, alive and well. He is serving in East Africa, and has been unable to send a letter to England for four months. A letter has now, however, been received by his friends at home to say he is in good health.