Rushden Echo, 5^th January 1917, transcribed by Kay Collins

Absentee – John Thomas Tomlin, of Rushden, was on Monday charged with being an absentee from the 76^th Training Reserve since Boxing Day. Prisoner, aged 28, and 4ft 10½in in height, was apprehended at Rushden by PC Pollard on Sunday. – Remanded to await an escort.

Rushden Saddler - Invalided Home
Mr and Mrs F Corby, of the Beeches, Higham-road, Rushden, have just received news that their son, Saddler John A Corby, of the R.H.A., has arrived in England from Mesopotamia, having been invalided home. Saddler Corby has been in the East since January 1916.

Rushden Soldier in Hospital – Gunner J Surridge – Thought to be Suffering From Shell Shock
News has been received that Gunner John Surridge, who wife resides at 24, Newton-road, Rushden, has been in hospital in France for some few weeks past, and, although he gives no definite information in his letters, it is thought that he may be suffering from shell shock, as in a letter sent to a cousin he said that he and some comrades were sleeping in a tent and a German shell, fortunately “a dud”, dropped just outside their tent, making a hole big enough to put another tent in. From that time he has been in hospital.

Gunner Surridge is the second son of Mr and Mrs T Surridge, of Brookfield-road, Rushden.

Rushden Soldier Makes Good Progress - Pte Frank Causebrook – Both Legs Broken
Mrs Causebrook, of Beaconsfield-terrace, Rushden, has, we are pleased to state, received a letter this week from her son, Pte Frank Causebrook (Lincs Regt) to the effect that he is making steady progress towards recovery. Previous news published in these columns gave information to the effect that Pte Causebrook was seriously injured in the torpedoing of the British transport in the Mediterranean, and was taken to a hospital at Alexandria.

Both legs are broken, but, according to the injured soldier’s last letter, the hospital doctor is quite satisfied with his progress.

Rushden Soldier Ill – Sgt. Horace Pendered – Now in Hospital
We are sorry to report that Sgt. Horace Pendered, of the K.O.Y.L.I., son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Pendered, of 82 Queen-street, Rushden, is ill and in hospital. He has not, however, been seriously ill, as was rumoured in the town, as about a week ago his mother visited him in hospital at Cannock Chase, Staffordshire, and found him very comfortable and progressing favourably.

Rushden Soldier Injured - Pte. Frank Causebrook - On a Torpedoed Transport
A particularly hard case to hand this week is that of a Rushden widow, Mrs. Francis Causebrook, of 13, Beaconsfield-place, who has just received a telegram to the effect that her only son, Pte. Frank Causebrook, Machine Gun Section, Lincolnshire Regiment (formerly of the Northants) is lying seriously injured in hospital in Alexandria.

According to unofficial information, Pte. Causebrook was on his way to Egypt with one of the British drafts when the transport was torpedoed, and about 120 soldiers drowned, Pte. Causebrook being one of the survivors, but being severely injured.

The incident is rendered more distressing by the fact that the young soldier’s father, Mr. Francis Causebrook, a popular man in this district, died about twelve months ago, leaving his business (agency) in the hands of his son and imploring him not to leave his mother. The Rushden Tribunal, however, after giving the young man several months’ exemption, decreed that he should join the Army in July last, and Pte. Causebrook left England on December 23rd. We hope Pte. Causebrook’s injury is not so serious as the telegram implies. Meanwhile Mrs. Causebrook would be grateful if any of our readers, who may know anything further of her son’s injury, will kindly communicate with her.

Rushden Army Doctor - Suffering from Malarial Fever
We are sorry to report that surgeon Probationer A. Sanders Green, second son of Mr. and Mrs. C. A. K. Green, of the Hayway, Rushden, has returned home from service in the Mediterranean suffering from a species of malarial fever. He is at present in the Northampton hospital where he lies seriously ill.

Mr. A. S. Green is so well-known throughout the district that the news of his serious condition will come as a shock to his many friends and acquaintances, and we are sure that they will join with us in wishing him a speedy recovery.

Surgeon Probationer A. Sanders Green, of the Royal Navy, second son of Mr. and Mrs. C. A. K. Green, of the Hayway, Rushden, who as reported in last week’s “Rushden Echo,” is in Northampton Hospital suffering from malarial fever, is we are pleased to report, making satisfactory progress.

Pte. Cyril A. G. Slater, of the Army Ordnance Corps, son of Mr. R. G. Slater, of Pratt-road, Rushden, has received a first-class certificate in accounting from the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacturers, and Commerce, London, having successfully passed the society’s commercial examinations, advanced stage.

Malta – What a Shilling Will Do – In the Way of a Tea
Gunner Albert V Mead, 68661 R.F.A., formerly assistant at the Rushden branch of The Maypole Dairy Co., in letters sent home from Malta, under dates January 15th and 29th, says:

“I am pleased to say I am out of hospital again. I received two copies of “Lloyds News”, The Rushden Echo, and daily paper. The boys eagerly devour the news in same. I notice how dear food is in old England. One can hardly realise this. After being away nearly two years we don’t seem to feel it here, and just to compare what you can have for tea in Malta for the modest sum of 1s—sausage and fried eggs, fried tomato, chips cooked in beef dripping, three slices of bread, two cups of tea, and two cakes, so we are in the land of plenty so far. Then again, we often have free tickets for the theatre. I went to see the opera ‘Madame Butterfly’ which, although sung in Italian, I may say I enjoyed very much indeed. There is more English spoken here that French, and the civilian population copy the English in the way of dress.

“I am now in Active Service camp and may shortly be added to any draft leaving here.

“They have a large building here called the Australian Hall, built by the Australian Commonwealth for the Anzacs during the time they were taking part in the Gallipoli campaign. It is twice the size of Franklin’s Theatre, Rushden, and fitted up with a large stage. The Church of England service was held there to-day, and to look at it outside one would hardly think it would accommodate so many people. I am writing this in the Y.M.C.A., and there is one of our fellows trying to play an American organ, and he is setting my teeth on edge. Anyway, we all have to amuse ourselves one way or the other, and all being well I hope to see Higham and Rushden once more”.

Rushden Soldier Makes Good Progress
Pte. Frank Causebrook – Both Legs Broken
Mrs. Causebrook, of Beaconsfield-terrace, Rushden, has, we are pleased to state, received a letter this week from her son, Pte. Frank Causebrook (Lincs. Regt.), to the effect that he is making steady progress towards recovery. Previous news published in these columns gave information to the effect that Pte. Causebrook was seriously injured in the torpedoing of the British transport in the Mediterranean sea, and was taken to a hospital at Alexandria.

Both legs are broken, but, according to the injured soldier’s last letter, the hospital doctor is quite satisfied with his progress.

Sapper J. J. Page, of the firm of Messrs Page and Ladds, tailors, Rushden, who is now serving with the Cheshire regiment in France, writes that he has met quite a lot of old Rushden boys out there, and he adds: “It is quite nice to meet old friends and talk over the future. I hope to see you all again in the ‘near’ future.

Sergeant Arthur Ansell – Injured by Shrapnel – A former Railway Drayman
Mrs Ansell, of 79, High-street South, Rushden, has received news that her husband, Sergt Arthur Ansell, of the Northants Regt., attached to the Bedfords, was wounded on February 12th by shrapnel while serving on the Somme front. His leg was broken, and two holes were made just above the ankle by fragments of shrapnel. An Army Chaplain, writing to Mrs Ansell, gave the news of her husband’s injuries. Sergt. Ansell has now been brought to England and has been taken to hospital in Birmingham, where Mrs Ansell and the patient’s brother visited him last Saturday, spending the week-end with him. He is now making good progress.

In civil life he was a drayman at Rushden, in the employ of the Midland railway Company. He joined up at the commencement of the war, going out to France in December 1916. From his position of private he worked his way up to be sergeant. It appears he was in charge of a bombing party, whichmet with success and returned safely, but on a second venture they had to take shelter in a shell hole, when a shell burst and he received the injuries stated. A corporal who was with him had his foot smashed.

The Rushden Echo, 2^nd March, 1917, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Narrow Escape from Death - Rushden Soldier Home on Leave
Left Hand Missing - British Superiority in Artillery
An optimistic view of the war is taken by a Rushden soldier who has been released from hospital for a month, after having had his left hand blown off on the western front.

“Our artillery and big guns have unquestionably obtained a marked superiority over those of our enemies, and I think we have them well in hand," said Pte. Arthur Clifton, 2^nd Bedfords, son of Mr. and Mrs. S. Clifton, of 43, Victoria-road, Rushden, to a representative of the Rushden Echo this week.  He added that he was of the opinion that the war would not last the year out, but when questioned by our representative regarding his personal experiences he did not seem particularly anxious to talk about them, and put himself immediately on his guard.  However, by strategical questioning, our representative elicited the information that Pte. Clifton joined the 3^rd Bedfords on January 24^th, 1916, and as soon as his training had fitted him for the firing line he was drafted into the……Bedfords, an active service battalion, and went out to the front the last day in May, going up to the firing line almost straight away.  About this time extensive preparations were being made for the big offensive in July, and the preparations themselves were surprising to the raw lads just going out.

Pte. Clifton’s regiment was sent along the Somme district, and it was about the middle of June that the great British bombardment began, and, in Pte. Clifton’s own words, “the din was terrible, tons and tons of stuff being sent over, and the German trenches being smashed to atoms; we Englishmen, standing on the parapets of our trenches, could discern the shells dropping in the German trenches, and we knew the damage must be awful.”

Pte. Clifton would say little about the actual advance in July, except that the thing which amused him most amid all the awful carnage and terrifying din of warfare was an incident in which an old and experienced British soldier, aged 45, stood up first on the parapet of the trench just as they were going over, and coolly asking for match, lit his pipe, and with a shout of “Come on, boys,” he was over and into the fray.  This put heart into the younger and less experienced, soldiers round him, and they followed him without fear.

After the Somme engagement, Pte. Clifton found himself mixed up in the Trones Wood affair.

“Our regiment,” said Pte. Clifton, “took Trones Wood first and had to retire, and then the West Kents took it.  They had to retire, too, but they got all the credit for the glorious fight that was put up, and which we commenced.”

It was at Trones Wood where Pte. Clifton received his injuries.  A shrapnel shell blew his left hand off and a bullet sent in at the middle of his back and came out at the front, the injury, luckily, not being fatal.  He was taken to hospital at the base and then brought to England, being first in hospital at Oxford, than a convalescent hospital in Berkshire, and afterwards at Brighton “limbless” hospital, and finally at Roehampton.  He is now looking pretty well again, and says that if he ever gets back to the front he is going to look for his lost hand and have it put in a glass case!

Where all the Big Game Shooting Takes Place
Mr and Mrs H H Hobbs, of Colwyn House, Griffith-street, Rushden, have received an interesting communication from their son, Cpl. W Hobbs, 10979 B Coy. Nyasaland Contingent (South Africa).

Corpl. Hobbs states that he is quite well, and is in Central Africa, having been in two fights (one for two days and the other 15 days), but having come through quite safely.

“We don’t get so much fighting as they do in Europe,” he says, “but there are the hardships, the fever, and marching over mountains where I don’t suppose a white-man has ever been. The ...... run away from you”.

He continues to the effect that he has just finished a trip up the Zambu River, one of the finest rivers in the world, where all the big game shooting is done... [the last two lines of the article are missing]

Rushden Soldier Wounded – A Former Police Constable – Injured a Second Time
News has been received that Pte. Geo. Mobbs, of the Scottish Rifles, formerly police constable at Rushden, has been wounded for the second time, and is in hospital at Levenshulme, Manchester, with the elbow of his left are smashed, the injury having been caused by a fragment of shell.

It appears that a shell burst at the entrance of the dug-out, wounding Pte. Mobbs, killing one of his comrades, and wounding two others.

Pte. Mobbs is making satisfactory progress.

Rushden Soldier Missing – Anxiety Concerning Pte F Clark of the Northants Regt.
Mr and Mrs William Clark, of 78, Cromwell-road, Rushden, are very anxious for some definite news concerning their son, 17894, Pte. Frederick Clark, of the Northants Regt., as they have received unofficial information that he has been missing from his regiment, probably since February 17th. The news was sent by Pte. Hales, of Higham Ferrers, to his sister, and in the letter Pte. Hales state that Pte. Clark failed to answer the roll call after an engagement, and was posted as missing or killed.

The last letter Mr and Mrs Clark received from their son was on January 28th, and they will very grateful to any of their son’s comrades who can send them any information concerning him that will relieve their anxiety.

Pte. Clark enlisted in April 1915, and before joining up worked for Mr Fred Knight. He was wounded in both legs last year, and was home on sick leave just before last Christmas, returning to France in January this year.

Gunshot Wound in Leg and Head —Pte A Denton Dangerously Ill
It is with regret that we report that Mr and Mrs George Denton, 97, Cromwell-road, Rushden, have received official news that their son, 27951, Pte. A Denton, of the East Yorks., is in the 6th Stationary Hospital, Trevent, France, suffering from gunshot wounds in the leg and head.

The official notice from the Infantry Record Office was received on Monday morning and this was followed by a telegram as follows: “Regret to report 27951, Pte A Denton, — East Yorks Regt., dangerously ill in No 6 Stationary Hospital, Trevent, France. Gunshot wound right leg and face. Cannot be visited.”

Much sympathy is felt with Mr and Mrs Denton in their anxiety for their son, and it is hoped that, however serious his condition, he may be spared to them.

Mr and Mrs Denton are in considerable trepidation of mind regarding their son, and would be grateful for any further information concerning him.

Higham Ferrers Soldier’s Pluck — Saves a Rushden Comrade by Carrying Him 900 Yards Though Himself Wounded
Mrs Clark of 40, Pemberton-street, Rushden, received news last Saturday that her son Lance-Corpl. E Clark, of the Northants Regt., has been wounded for the third time. The information was sent by the soldier himself, who briefly wrote that he had been wounded and had arrived in England.

In a subsequent letter to his mother Lance-Corpl. Clark reveals the fact that he probably owes his life to a Higham Ferrers comrade, and , anxious that this fact shall be known to as wide a circle of the public as is possible, he asks that the information shall be published in the “Rushden Echo”. He writes: “I am pleased to say I feel good, considering that I have got about 11 wounds, but I am better off here than in France. I knew I should get one. We went over the top on the 3rd. And I got to the Hun’s front line before I was wounded. The man who saved my life is a chap named Hurst, from Higham: you know his mother. Although he was wounded in the neck he carried me about 900 yards to the aid post, and I should like it to be put in the “Rushden Echo.” Before I met him I had been crawling about the ground, with shells dropping like rain, and it is no doubt I should have died through loss of blood.”

Lance-Corpl. Clark evidently refers to Pte. George Hurst (son of Mr and Mrs G Hurst, of Lancaster-street, Higham Ferrers) whom we reported wounded in our last issue.

Mr and Mrs Hurst will have reason to be proud of their gallant son’s self-forgetfulness and bravery in risking his own life for the purpose of saving Lance-Corpl. Clark, and we are entirely in agreement with lance-Corpl. Clark’s desire that the matter shall be brought to the public notice, as apparently no reference has been made to the incident by the hero himself.

Rushden Soldier with Trench Fever
We have received a letter from Sapper J. Page, of Messrs. Page and Ladds, Rushden, stating that he has been admitted to hospital suffering from trench fever. Sapper Page joined the Royal Engineers about 18 months ago, and has seen considerable service in France.

Rushden Soldier on Tyndareus
The eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Scroxton, of Portland-road, Rushden, was amongst the soldiers on board the mined troopship “Tyndareus,” heroically facing death with the “Die Hards.” Pte. Reg. Scroxton spent his 19th birthday on the ship, he having joined up in September last year. Writing home, he does not mention the historic incident. He says the climate is grand, and the “people here are as good as mothers and fathers.” Always when they go out the people stop them and take them to tea, or out for the day.

Gunshot Wounds in the Head - Rushden Man Seriously Injured – Private Norman Britten
Official news has been received that Pte. Norman Britten, Inniskilling Fusiliers, fourth son of Mrs Arthur Britten, 12, Windmill-road, Rushden, is seriously ill in Rouen Hospital, France, as a result of gunshot wounds received in action.

Pte. Norman Britten, who is 28 years old, went out to France at the end of January this year, having joined the army only eight weeks previously. He was formerly employed at the Rushden C.W.S. Boot Works.

His youngest brother, Horace, is a prisoner of war in Germany having been captured in the Battle of Loos.

Tradesman Wounded - Suffering from Trench Fever - Private J. Iliffe
News has been received that Pte. J. Iliffe, Inniskilling Fusiliers, a well-known pork butcher, of High-street, Rushden, is in East Dulwich Hospital, London, having been wounded and having contracted trench fever in action in France. He has almost recovered from his wound and is progressing well. Mr. Iliffe, who is 36 years of age, joined the forces last October and was sent out to France at the end of January this year. Previous to becoming a tradesman in High-street, Rushden, he was for 18 years butler at Rushden Hall for Mr. Hugh Sartoris.

The Rushden Echo, 4^th May, 1917, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Hit in the Foot by Shrapnel
  Mr. W. G. Wilmott, builder and contractor, Rushden, has just received news that his son, Pte. H. Wilmott, -- Royal Fusiliers, whose home address is 101, Washbrook-road, Rushden, has been wounded in action in France.

  Pte Wilmott writes that he was hit in the foot by shrapnel, septic poisoning being a result.  After being in hospital in France for some time he was brought to England, and is now going on as well as can be expected in a hospital in Birmingham.

  Pte. Wilmott, who is 26 years of age, is married, but his home for the present is “closed,” and his wife resides with her mother in Higham-road.

  The injured soldier enlisted in January, 1916, and went out to France last October.  Prior to enlistment he was employed by his father as assistant in his business.

Rushden Echo, 4^th May 1917

Rushden Soldier Recovered
Gunner J A Compton of the M.G.C., who is in training, and has just come out of hospital after an accident. Before joining the Colours he was on the staff of the “Rushden Echo.” He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Compton, of Wellingborough-road, Rushden.

Rushden Soldier Injured - Private Arthur George of the Northants Regiment
Mr and Mrs Henry George, of 76 Cromwell-road, Rushden, have received official news that their son, Pte Arthur George, of the Northants Regt., was wounded during the big battle in Egypt on April 19th. He has been in Egypt about 18 months. It will be remembered that Mr and Mrs George have already given one son to their country's cause - the late Corpl William T George, who died of wounds in France on November 28th, 1915, as reported in the "Rushden Echo" at the time.

Pte George's parents are anxious for further news concerning their son Arthur. He is only 19 years of age, having enlisted at the age of 17.

Wounded a Third Time
Rushden Soldier in Palestine – Pte. A. Griffith in Hospital
Official news has been received by Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Griffith, of 136 Cromwell-road, Rushden, that their eldest son, 200877 Pte. Albert Griffith, of the Northants Regt., was wounded on April 19th at the battle of Gaza. It is not yet known to what hospital he has been sent.

This is the third time Pte. Griffith has been wounded, having twice received injuries during the Dardanelles campaign throughout which he fought. Both of his previous wounds were received in the right and left thighs respectively. He enlisted in March 1915, and went to the Dardanelles in the following August.

Pte. Griffith is the brother of Driver Frank Griffith, from whosm we have published many interesting letters. Frank is in Malta and in the best of health.

The Northamptons in Palestine - Rushden Soldier Wounded – Local Men’s Needs
We have received reliable information that the — Northants regt. gave a good account of themselves at the battle of Gaza. A local officer writing home says he hopes that the prople of the county will not forget the boys of this battalion as they are badly in need of cigarettes. The officer writes that he saw Pte C Nichols, son of Mr and Mrs A T Nichols, of 10, Church-street, Rushden, as he was being carried away after having been wounded. Pte Nichols, he says, was shot through the foot, but was quite cheerful.

Mr and Mrs A T Nichols, have received official information that their eldest son, Pte C Nichols, — Northants regt., was wounded at the battle of Gaza on April 19th. Pte Nichols has been in Egypt since January 1916, having enlisted in November 1914. Mr and Mrs Nichols have two other sons serving—Sapper W Nichols, Royal Engineers, who is in France, and Gunner J L Nichols, R.F.A. who is stationed at Swanage.

In The Battle of Gaza
Rushden Soldier Wounded – A Former Co-operative Employee
Mr. and Mrs. A. Shouler, of 54 Sartoris-road, Rushden, have received an official notification that their son, Pte. D. W. Shouler, 201150 Northants regt., was wounded on April 19th, probably in the battle of Gaza.

Mr. and Mrs. Shouler have received no information beyond that sent out by the Territorial Record Office as above stated, and they will be glad of any further information concerning their son any of his comrades can send them.

Pte. Shouler enlisted two years ago at the age of 18 years, and he has been with his unit in Egypt since twelve months last November. Prior to enlistment he was employed in the Rushden Co-operative Grocery Stores, and was a member of St. Peter’s Church choir and a Sunday school teacher right up to the time of joining the Army.

Rushden Soldier Frostbitten – Private Frank Bull’s Narrow Escape - “A Perfect Hell while it Lasted”
Mrs John Bull, of 74, Harborough-road, Rushden, has received a letter from her son, 40721, Pte Frank Bull, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, formerly of the Northants Regt., to say that he has been admitted into hospital with frost bitten feet. He writes from Rouen:

“Just a few lines to let you know that I am still in the land of the living. I am in hospital with frost bitten feet, and they are very painful, but I suppose they will get better in time. I have been marked down to come to England, so I might be over there any time now. I will write you as soon as I arrive. I am thankful to say I came out of the advance safe and sound, as it was a perfect hell while it lasted.”

In a letter dated May 1st from the 3rd Scottish General Hospital, Glasgow, he writes: “I should have liked to be nearer home, but anywhere is better than France. I have had several narrow escapes while I have been in France. The first night we went into the trenches was awful, for about 2 o’clock in the morning a party of Germans came over and started bombing the sap where six of us were, and they killed three of us and wounded two others, so that I was the only one that came out safely. God alone knows how I managed it. I felt sorry for one fellow. He came with us and it was his first night, in the trenches, same as me, and he had his stomach and head blown away.”

Pte Bull, who was formerly in the employ of Mr Fred Knight, joined up seven months ago, and went to France about the end of January this year.

Rushden Echo, 11^th May, 1917, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Wounded In The Gaza Fight - Private H. Attley
Formerly through the Gallipoli Campaign
Official news has been received by Mr. and Mrs. J. Attley, of 123, Cromwell-road, Rushden, that their son, 200878, Pte. H. Attley, of the Northants Regiment, was wounded during the Gaza battle on April 19^th.

  Pte. Attley, who joined the Colours rather more than two years ago, participated in the Dardanelles campaign during which time he contracted dysentery and a septic foot.  He was then sent home to England for a few months, and about twelve months last July he proceeded to Egypt, where he has been ever since.  He was not 17 years of age when he joined up.  Prior to enlistment he was employed by Mr. John Clark, boot manufacturer, Rushden.

Rushden Echo, 11^th May, 1917, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Soldier Brothers - Corpl. H. Letts Wounded - Pte. F. Letts Returned to the Front
Mr. and Mrs. W. Letts, of 23, Pemberton-street, Rushden, have received official information that their son, Acting-Corpl. H. Letts, of the Northants. Regiment, was wounded on April 19^th during the fighting in Palestine.  Since receiving the official news Mr. and Mrs. Letts have had a field-card from their son in his own handwriting, giving the same news.  Acting-Corpl. Letts enlisted on August 11^th, 1915, and went to Egypt on Jan. 28^th, 1916.

Mr. and Mrs. Letts have another son fighting for his country – Pte. F. Letts, ---- Northants Regiment, who is in France.  This son fought in the Dardanelles campaign, and there received wounds which sent him to England for over twelve months.  He went to France about three weeks ago.

Rushden Echo, 11^th May, 1917, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Hurt In The Battle of Gaza
Pte. Ernest Brawn Wounded - Three Brothers with the Colours
  Mr. and Mrs. B. Brawn, of 116, Harborough-road, Rushden, have received official news that their son, 200604, Pte. Ernest Brawn, Northants Regiment, was wounded during the Gaza fighting on April 19^th.  He enlisted in September, 1914, following the outbreak of war, and fought through the Dardanelles campaign, through which he came safely.  He has been Egypt since the Gallipoli evacuation.  Prior to joining the Colours he was employed by Mr. Geo. Warner, boot manufacturer, Rushden.

  Mr. and Mrs. Brawn have two other sons fighting their country’s battles, and both of these two have been wounded, one, Pte. W. Brawn, of the Seaforths, having been wounded three times.  The other son, Pte. Percy Brawn (Northants Regiment) was wounded in the hand on Nov. 22^nd, 1914, and returning to the front he contracted chronic rheumatism, which again necessitated him being sent to England.  He is now stationed at Denham. 

Rushden Echo, 11^th May, 191, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Private E. F. Freeman - Injured in Action in Palestine
  Mrs. H. Freeman, of 92, Park-road, Rushden, and formerly of 3, Refuge-row, Higham Ferrers, has received a notification from the Territorial Record Office, Warley, that her son, 200301, Pte. E. F. Freeman, Northants Regiment, was wounded on April 19^th, at the battle of Gaza.  Pte. Freeman was in the Territorial Forces prior to the war, and was called up for service at the outbreak of hostilities.  He fought throughout the Gallipoli operations and came through unscathed, and went to Egypt with his unit about 18 months ago.  Before being called up he was employed by Messrs. Wm. Green & Sons, Rushden.

Rushden Men at the Front - An Incident in the Trenches – Rushdenite Meets Rushdenite
Writing from France on May 4th, “Rushdenite” says:-
I must thank you for the good reading we get out of your paper every week. I always look forward to the “Rushden Echo” and like to read about our lads of good old Rushden. I should like to tell you of a little incident I had the other day while in the trenches. I suppose you have heard about the good work the cavalry have been doing. Well, we were resting when the Canadian Cavalry rode past us and a corporal dismounted just where I was standing, with a piece of shell in his horse’s leg, but it was nothing to hurt. I spoke to him, and to my surprise he told me that he came from Rushden, but he said that he had only been home once in eight years, and that was 15 months ago. I could not get much out him, as he was in a hurry to get after the Huns. They did splendid work that day, capturing two villages and rounding them up in Western style. I saw some of them when they came out, and of course I asked about our friend, and learned he had stayed behind with a wounded chum, for which he was made sergeant in the field. I believe he is the only Rushden boy in the Canadian Cavalry. I have been watching your paper for news, because I thought you would get it. I could not get much out of him myself; only that he had a brother in the Canadian Infantry, but was killed at Festubert. I hope you will look this boy up because it is worth mentioning. Thanking you again for the paper.

A Rushden Stretcher Bearer
Pte. P. M. Austin, of Rushden, 23048 D Company, 7th Northamptons, who is a stretcher bearer, writes that the “Rushden Echo” reaches him regularly, and adds:-

“We have just come out of the trenches, and are enjoying a rest somewhere behind the lines, but not far enough to be away from the sound of the guns, which never cease their grumbling. It is quite a change to see green fields and other signs of civilisation, for where we have been was nothing but smashed up earth and houses, which were getting still more smashed up when we came out. But I am glad to say we are getting better weather out here now, as it has been a very hard winter. But we all hope the war will end this year, so that we can have a good old time in Blighty again, also visit the Park-road Wesleyan Church, where I had some good times.”

Three Times Wounded—In our last issue we reported that 200877, Pte. A. Griffith, Northants Regt., son of Mr. and Mrs. Griffith, of 136 Cromwell-road, Rushden, had been wounded at the battle of Gaza on April 19th. His parents have now received a further communication from the Territorial Record Office to say that their son is now in the 24th Stationary Hospital, Kantara, Egypt, suffering from gunshot wounds in the left thigh. This is the third time that Pte. A. Griffith has been wounded, twice in the left thigh, and once in the right.

Rushden Echo, 18^th May, 1917, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Lance-Corp. Harold Pendered - Injured in Palestine
  Official information has been received by Mr. and Mrs. Pendered, of 82, Queen-street, Rushden, that their son, Lance-Corpl. Harold Pendered, - Northants. Regiment, was wounded during the Gaza fighting on April 19^th.  The soldier himself has written to his parents, and gives the information that he has been wounded in the left foot and that he is in hospital, making satisfactory progress towards recovery.

  Lance-Corpl. Pendered enlisted in April, 1915, and went to Egypt last year.  He is 21 years of age.  Prior to enlistment he was employed by Mr. John Clark, boot manufacturer, Rushden.

  Two other sons of Mr. and Mrs. Pendered are serving the country, viz., Sergt. Horace Pendered, of the K.O.Y.L.I., stationed at Rugely camp, and Gunner Fred Pendered, of the R.H. and R.F.A., who is in France.

Torpedoed—News is to hand that Pte. “Reg” Cave, son of Mr. Amos Cave, of Rushden, has been saved from a torpedoed “trooper,” after long exposure. He writes home that he is well.

Four Times Wounded—We regret to learn that Pte. Sidney Austin, son of Mrs. Austin, of 138 Cromwell-road, Rushden, has again been wounded, making the fourth scar of battle. Pte. Austin has been singularly unfortunate, and has been buried alive no fewer than three times in one day. We trust he will speedily recover.

Additional information from Rushden Echo:
  Pte. Austin has served about 2½ years on the Western front, and has had several narrow escapes.  On one day he was buried alive no fewer than three times.  Though the explosion of shells, and the resultant shock sent him into hospital for a few weeks.

  Since proceeding to France he has only had one leave (of ten days), which was twelve months last Christmas.

  Mr. and Mrs. Austin have another son serving, viz., Pte. William James Austin, Northants Regiment, who is a military policeman and also in France.  He has once been wounded.

Rushden Echo, 25^th May, 1917, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Soldier in Hospital - Back Again in Blighty - Athletic Brothers
  Mr. and Mrs. J. Wilson, of 211, Wellingborough-road, Rushden, have received a letter from their eldest son, Jim, who writes from the Military Hospital, Birkenhead:-

  “You will no doubt be surprised to hear of me being back here in dear old Blighty, fortunately not stopped a Boche’s.  My old gammy knee, otherwise known as a footballer’s knee, is in trouble again.  I think it will soon be all right again, and very soon I shall be on my ten days’ leave.  Then, I expect that very soon I shall be back in that wonderland again, and I trust to see the finish of this terrible crisis before this next winter sets in.”

  Pte. J. Wilson joined the North Staffs last July, having resided at Stafford for several years, together with his younger brother Bert, both achieving much popularity as all-round athletes.  Bert, being a former member of the Rushden Windmill Football Club, very soon found himself playing for Stafford Town, and during the first season he played for that club they won the Birmingham League, for which achievement Bert received a handsome gold medal, two other similar awards later coming his way.

  Jim, who was in business, played for the Wednesday team, and the brothers are the proud possessors of a fine lot of prizes secured by their prowess in running, and for their skill with the gloves.

  Bert joined the Coldstream Guards on September 2^nd, 1914, and has been out in France since January, 1915, luckily without a scratch so far.  He has only received seven days’ leave in the two years and four months he has been in France.  He writes:-

  “Keep smiling.  I get a game at football with the Guards’ team whenever there is a chance, and I am boxing for the Division as a middle-weight with success.  I am sorry to see in the ‘Rushden Echo’ of May 11^th that quite a lot of our local lads have been hit at Gaza.  I received a postal order last week from the Rushden War Shrine.  I greatly appreciate the same, and thank the committee, as I am sure the other boys will.”

Rushden Echo, 25^th May, 1917, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Rushden Soldier’s Kindly Help - To a Wounded Rushdenite
How Pte. W. D. Shouler was Injured - “Absolutely Raining Bullets”
  In our last issue we reported that 201150 Pte. W. D. Shouler, Northants Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Shouler, of 54, Sartoris-road, Rushden, had been wounded during the Gaza fighting on April 19^th.

  Mr. and Mrs. Shouler have now received further information that their son’s wounds are but slight and that he is in the 2^nd Australian Stationary Hospital, El Arish.  The soldier himself has written to his parents, under date April 26^th, as follows:-

  “I am sorry I have been unable to write before, but have been ‘otherwise engaged.’  I dare say you will know by this time that I have been wounded and am now in hospital.  I was wounded a week ago to-day in the right leg by a bullet, and arrived at this hospital on Sunday night.  On Tuesday I went through an operation to have the bullet extracted.  I’ve got the bullet; it is rotten, isn’t it, chloroform?  I am getting on all right now, but, of course, cannot walk, though I could hobble until the operation.  I shall soon be about though, now.

  “It was awful.  There were only about a very few who got through without being hit.  How I got back without being hit again, I don’t know.  It was absolutely raining bullets, and we had to advance across the open, with no cover of any kind.

  “Fred Dickens (whose people reside in Harborough-road, Rushden – Editor R.E.) came and bound me up.  He is in the signal section, you know.  He turned round and asked me if I was all right.  We were lying down at the time, and I told him I thought I’d got a smack in the leg, but I wasn’t sure.  It seemed as if a sledge-hammer had dropped on me.  He got up directly and came and bandaged me up with all those lumps of lead knocking about too.  It was jolly good of him.  I hear that he was one of the few that got through it all right.

  “Another bullet went clean through my pack, through biscuits, bully, tobacco, and emergency rations, and out at the bottom.  That shook me up; I don’t know how it missed my head.”

Rushden Soldier Wounded – Injured by Shrapnel
Private Fred Mayo, --- Queen’s W. S., late in the employ of Mr. Jim Bugby, fishmonger, who joined up about twelve months ago, is now lying in hospital in France, having been wounded by shrapnel. He writes to say he received his injuries in the engagement of June 7th, and has had an operation and is now going on nicely.

The Rushden Echo, 29^th June, 1917, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Rushden Soldier Wounded - Private Albert Fensome - Under Several Operations
  Mrs. A. Fensome, 12, North-street, Rushden, has received news that her husband, Pte. Albert Fensome, of the Suffolk Regiment, is in Netley Hospital, suffering from severe wounds in the right forearm.

  He has been visited by Sister Emily Sanders, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Sanders, of Moorland House, Hayway, Rushden, who has written to his mother to say that Pte. Fensome is making satisfactory progress.  Since being in Netley Hospital, the soldier has been under several operations, and it is hoped that he may get back the use of his arm.

  He had only been in France one month when he got wounded.  Pte. Fensome joined up last Christmas and went to France about three months afterwards.  Prior to enlistment he was employed by Mr. Eden, boot manufacturer, Rushden.

The Rushden Echo, 29^th June, 1917, transcribed by Gill Hollis

  His affliction was further aggravated by the fact that during the voyage home on His Majesty’s hospital ship Dover Castle, the vessel was twice torpedoed in the Mediterranean.  All the occupants of the vessel were saved, we understand, with the exception of about six of the crew, who were killed by the explosion of the missile.

  It was hoped, after the first torpedo had struck, that it would be possible to save the ship, but the submarine came up again and put another torpedo into her, which settled the Dover Castle.  The submarine was not seen until her second attack, but she then again submerged and made off.

  The patients on board, who got into boats, were picked up by a destroyer and were taken into a North African port, where they remained for six days, subsequently continuing the voyage home on another hospital ship, which was escorted for a good portion of the voyage by American ships.

  Pte. Bonner is making satisfactory progress towards recovery.  He is an old member of the former Rushden Company of Volunteers, and enlisted voluntarily in the Northants Regiment on December 17^th, 1915, going to the Balkan front about September, 1916.