Mrs. A. Fensome, of 12 North-street, Rushden, has heard that her husband, Pte. Albert Fensome, of the Suffolks, is suffering from severe wounds in the right forearm, being in Netley Hospital. Sister Emily Sanders, daughter of Mr. W. B. Sanders, “Moorland House,” Hayway, Rushden, has written to the wounded soldier’s mother saying that he is making satisfactory progress, and it is hope to save the use of the limb. The soldier joined up last Christmas, and went to France three months later.

Rushden Soldier’s Comparison - ‘A little bit of Heaven’ – In Hospital at the Front
Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Sanders, of Moorland House, Hayway, Rushden, have received a letter from their third son, Pte. Ewart Sanders, of the Canadian Contingent, to say that he has been wounded and is in hospital. His injuries consist of a bullet wound in the right hip.

In a letter received on Sunday morning he says: “Bullets or no bullets, this is a little bit of heaven in comparison with what I have been through recently”. He writes that he has been under the X-rays.

Pte. Sanders, who was in Canada at the outbreak of war, enlisted in February 1915, and came to England with his contingent for about twelve months, prior to proceeding to France about two months ago.

On Wednesday information was received that Pte. Sanders has arrived in England and is in hospital at Manchester.

National Service
Mr. A. L. Scholes, violin maker, of Newton-road, Rushden, who enrolled under the National Service scheme, has been called upon to take up duty in connection with aeroplane making and left Rushden this week.

The Rushden Echo, 20^th July, 1917, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Rushden Soldier in The Balkans
Private Frank Griffith - Returning to “Blighty”

  Pte. Frank Griffith (Rushden), who has been serving in the Balkans, writes to us from Malta:-

  I am getting round a little after my severe illness and hardships.  I am very glad to be able to state that I am coming back to dear old Rushden for my convalescence, and I wish to thank, through your valuable paper, the “Rushden Echo,” all the friends of mine, in Rushden and Higham for their kindness in sending me letter, etc., that have cheered me up wonderfully.  Many a time I thought my number was up, but after many weary days and nights I have managed to pull through.  But the heat is terrible here.  I shall be jolly glad to get back in dear old Rushden again, after nearly three years of active service.  I wouldn’t have that three years again for a fortune.  It has been a living hell.

  I have been up against German, Turks, Bulgars, and Austrians, but none of them have succeeded in bagging me yet.  They have all tried hard.  I mustn’t praise myself too much, as the next time I may stop a big one, and thus put an end to my adventurous career.  Well, it’s all in the war.  Some of us have got to fall, or the grave-diggers would have no work.

  I think old Kaiser Bill has about started his last game.  He has failed in his “sausages” and now he has been hit very bad with his Taubes.  I suppose he will soon say the same as the Bulgars, “Finis, Johnny, me no want to fight ze Englesh.”

  We captured one Bulgarian, and he told our Brigade Officer he had had no food for nearly five days, and when we gave him some (four days old) he mopped it off like oysters, poor beast.  I felt like giving him my own rations, consisting of two biscuits (sorry, stones!) and a piece of canned calf (bully beef).  I do believe if we had given him a potato pie he would have eaten it, and they are as precious as gold.  Wishing your paper the vest of luck, etc.

Rushden Man in Hospital
Amongst the local lads who faced the Germans on the Belgian Dunes was Pte. Arthur H. Cox (Northants Regiment), the only son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Cox, formerly of 69 Midland-road, Rushden, and now of 81 Gordon-road, Wellingborough. He received burns, presumably during the preliminary bombardment, and a comrade writing on his behalf, states that he is in hospital. Further news is anxiously awaited by the parents. Pte. Cox is well-known in Rushden, where he was a grocer’s assistant. He joined up in 1915, and went abroad in March, 1916. For some months he has been serving with a Trench Mortar Brigade.

Rushden Soldiers Missing - Twenty Men of the Northants Regiment - Letter from Private Cecil Peacock
Mrs Peacock, of North-street, Rushden, in view of unofficial reports that have been widely circulated in regard to the losses of a certain battalion of the Northants Regiment at the Battle of the Dunes recently, was very relieved to receive a letter from her husband, Pte Cecil Peacock (Northants Regiment) to tell her that he came through safely. He mentions, however, that twenty lads, belonging to the Rushden homes, are missing, these include Bert Chettle, Chris Minney, Charlie Underwood, Sharman, Ernie Letts, and "Aggie" Ayres. A report with regard to A Sharman is published in another part of this issue.

Rushden Argus, 27^th July 1917, transcribed by Kay Collins

Rushden Officer Loses a Leg
We are deeply sorry to learn that Second Lieut. “Don” Denton, youngest son of Mr. G. Denton, “Eastfields,” Rushden, has been wounded while fighting on the Western front. The family received a wire on Monday giving the bare facts. On Tuesday morning they received a letter from the gallant young soldier himself stating that he has lost his leg below the knee. The letter is typical of Lieut. Denton, being very cheery, and it expresses the hope that he will be in England this week. Apparently the young officer received his wound a few days after returning to France from “leave,” for he states that he had the operation about a fortnight ago. Lieut. Denton is the youngest of four brothers at present serving their country. He was a very promising cricketer, playing sensational cricket for the Northants County XI, before the war. He was also an all-round sportsman, and was to be a master at his old school—Wellingborough School. The deepest sympathy will be felt for the parents.

Longer Faces in Rushden Than Can be Seen in France
Local Soldier's Amazement - Cannot Understand the Pessimism
Saddler Charles Webb, of Rushden, of the R.F.A., son of Mrs William Webb of Higham Ferrers, has been home on his first ten days' leave, after a varied experience on the Western front. During his service in France, he has travelled right along the whole of the British front, from Ypres to Combles, and has participated in all the bug pushes that have taken place during the past two years.

The ground where Saddler Webb was stationed when he left France for his leave was part of that which we have re-captured from the Germans. He has made an attempt to locate the graves of one or two Rushden boys, who are reported to have been buried in that district, but owing to the lack of time at his disposal and the close proximity of the graves he has up to the present failed in this attempt.

Saddler Webb informed a representative of the "Rushden Echo" that he cannot understand the spirit of pessimism in regard to the war that apparently prevails amongst a section of the British public. "I have seen," he said, "longer faces in Rushden whilst I have been on leave than I have seen in France during the two years I have been out there."

He considers that the Allied forces are well on top of the Germans, and expresses it, as his opinion, that the war would have ended this year if only the Russians had stuck to their guns.

He speaks in terms of great admiration of our British airmen, who, he says, have done wonderful work in the war.

The German aviators will not face our men, he says, and as soon as they catch sight of them they are off like a dog with his tail between his legs. For all that they often get caught and pay the penalty.

Saddler Webb speaks in high terms of the British Infantry, and says that every man worthy of the name should take his hat off to the Infantryman. Hard work, however, falls on the artillery-man, as they have to cover all of the attacking units. Most of the gunners at this time of the year work stripped to the waist, and warm work it is, even in the bare skin.

Rushden Officer Wounded
Lieutenant Don Denton Injured in France
A Leg Amputated Below the Knee
Mr and Mrs G Denton, of Eastfields, Rushden, received a wire from the War Office on Monday morning, giving the information that their youngest son, Lieut. A D Denton, of the West Kents, was wounded on July 24th. Lieut Denton, who is a brother of the famous Denton twins, the Northants County cricketers, is himself a knight of the willow, and has played for the county. His principal triumphs with the bat, however, have been with Wellingboro' Grammar School, his centuries being regarded not as the exception, but as the rule.

Lieut Denton served in France throughout the whole of last summer, but was smitten with trench fever last autumn, and was subsequently sent to England, remaining in this country until about a fortnight ago, when he again proceeded to France. He had only been in the trenches about a week when he got wounded. No particulars regarding the nature of his injuries are yet to hand.

Later
On Tuesday morning, Mr and Mrs Denton received a letter from their son, in which he stated that it had been found necessary to amputate his leg below the knee. He expected to be sent to England this week.

Much sympathy is felt with Mr and Mrs Denton in their son's misfortune, as it is only about a fortnight since Lieut Denton returned to France, after having been in England about nine months. He was invalided home from France last November, suffering from trench fever, and from that time up to his returning to France about a fortnight ago, he had been stationed at Chatham. Apparently Lieut Denton went into the trenches on July 20th, was wounded on July 24th, and underwent the operation on the following day. His many friends throughout the county will join with us in the hope that he may make a speedy recovery. Lieut Denton, who is the youngest of four soldier brothers, had prior to the war intended to take up a scholastic career. He was to have been a master at his old school (Wellingborough Grammar School) and had just passed his examination when war broke out.

Many Rushden Men Missing - Since the Battle of the Dunes
Casualties in the District - The Northamptonshire Regiment
Official news has been received by Mrs Minney, of 46 North-street, Rushden, that her husband, Pte Chris Minney, of the Northants Regiment, has been missing since the Battle of the Dunes on July 10th. The missing soldier, who is the son of Mr and Mrs Chris Minney, of 7 Grove-road, Rushden, formerly worked for Messrs Bull and Clayton, boot manufacturers. He enlisted in August last year, and went to France on December 10th last. The last letter which Mrs Minney received from her husband was dated July 8th and shoe would be extremely thankful if any of his comrades can give further information.

This missing men included Pte A Ayres of Oswald-road, who was badly wounded in the early months of the war, a bullet going right through his jaw shattering the bone, and taking away all his teeth. He was unconscious for five hours after receiving the injuries, and when the R.A.M.C. attempted to move him, with other wounded soldiers, in motor vans, the Germans tried to blow them to pieces with shells, though happily they missed their target - the field hospital.

Bandsman Edwin Bernard Smith 13752 Northants Regt., son of Mr Smith dairyman, Robinson-road, is missing.

Official news has also been received that the following Rushden men, belonging to the Northants Regt., have been posted as missing since July 10th:-

23837 Pte Frank Fairey, aged 20, son of Mr and Mrs C F Fairey, of 60 Harborough-road.

Pte George Tebbutt, husband of Mrs Tebbutt, of 107 Glassbrook-road.

Pte Arthur Bates, son of Mrs Bates, of the Hayway.

Pte Ekins, of Rushden.

Pte Underwood, brother of Mrs Bull, of Crabb-street.

Pte Bert Chettle, Cromwell-road.

Pte Shipman, Sartoris-road.

Rushden Soldier Missing - The Battle of the Dunes
News of Pte A E Richardson Wanted
Mr and Mrs William Richardson, of 1 Essex-road, Rushden, have received official news that their fourth son, Pte Albert Ernest Richardson, 17897 Northants Regiment, has been "posted as missing after an engagement at a place not stated, on July 10th 1917." Pte Richardson, who was 21 years of age on August 1st, worked at Messrs Bull and Clayton's before enlisting, which was at Easter 1915, and he went to France in December 1915. Mr and Mrs Richardson would be thankful to hear from any of their son's comrades who can give them information as to his whereabouts.

Mr and Mrs Richardson have another son, Pte Arthur Richardson, in the Suffolks now serving in France.

News of Pte G W Betts
For some weeks past inquiries have been made through the columns of the "Rushden Echo" for news concerning Pte G W Betts 33601 - Bedfordshire Regt., son of Mr and Mrs George Betts, of 39 Harborough-road, Rushden. We are pleased to report that Mr and Mrs Betts have now received an intimation from the War Office that their son is now reported as a prisoner of war, registered at the camp at Limburg. Up to the present no news has been received from the soldier himself, and Mr and Mrs Betts are anxiously awaiting a letter.

Private William Tew - Not Heard of Since Battle of the Dunes
We are deeply sorry to report that Mrs Clayton, of Harborough-road, Rushden, has received official news that her son, 18060 Pte William Tew of the Northants Regiment, has been missing from his unit since July 10th. Much sympathy will be felt with Mrs Clayton in her anxiety, as she has lost two other sons in the war—Sergt Charles Tew, who was killed on March 5th this year, and Pte Harry Tew, who was killed on August 9th last year.

Pte W Tew enlisted two years ago last April, and at the time he met his end had been in France just over 18 months. Prior to enlistment he had worked for Messrs James Hyde Ltd., for 13 years.

Mrs Clayton will be grateful for any further information concerning her son, as in a recent letter, dated July 7th, he wrote that he had been moved from his original unit, and had been attached to an Australian Tunnelling Company. On the official document which reports him as missing, his number is given correctly, but the name of the regiment stated is the Northants, to which he belonged before becoming attached to the Australian contingent above mentioned. Pte Tew is 39 years of age and unmarried.

Rushden Soldier’s Ill Luck – Private Walter Hankins – Wounded While Having a Rest
Mrs Walter Hankins, of 36 Sartoris-road, Rushden, last week visited her husband Pte Walter Hankins, of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, who was wounded in the Battle of the Dunes. He is now in Woodford and Wanstead Military Hospital and progressing satisfactorily. His injuries are in the right side and were caused by the explosion of a shell.

Apparently Pte Hankins was not engaged in fighting at the time he received his wounds, but was having a rest and a smoke with some comrades when a shell burst near to the party, wounding him and killing one of his pals. Pte Hankins had been in France about six months when he received his wounds. Before enlisting on November 16th last year, he was employed at the C.W.S. Boot Works, Rushden.

His brother, the late Sergt Herbert Hankins, was killed on March 2nd this year, as recorded in the “Rushden Echo” at the time.

  This is the second time that Lce.-Corpl. Dickens has been wounded, the last occasion being on July 17^th last year, as recorded in the “Rushden Echo” at the time.  Lance-Corpl. Dickens has now seen three years’ service with the Colours, having been in France over two years.

  Mrs. Dickens’s husband, Driver S. Dickens, of the A.S.C., has been in France over 18 months, and another son, Pte. Cecil Dickens, of the 3^rd Suffolks, is at present stationed at Felixstowe.  The youngest son, Leslie, is a member of the Rushden Company Church Lads’ Brigade, now attached to the King’s Royal Rifle Corps. and Mrs. Dickens’s daughter’s husband, Trooper Frank Pratt, of the --- Yeomanry, is stationed in Ireland.

Rushden Soldier’s Wounds - Lance-Corpl. C. W. Smith - Now in Hospital
Lance-Corpl. Chas. Wilson Smith, son of Mrs. Smith, of Portland-road, Rushden, was wounded on June 8th, and is now in hospital at Blakeley, Manchester. He is in the Northamptonshire Regt. Previously an ironmonger's assistant, he came home a couple of years ago in order to keep home going for his mother, and he took up a position in the packing-room of Mr. Chas. A. K. Green, boot manufacturer. He was wounded in the right knee by a shell, and he cannot yet put his foot to the ground.

Gunner John Bailey – Now in Hospital
Mrs. J. Bailey, of 16, Montague-street, Rushden, received a postcard yesterday morning to say that her husband, Gunner John Bailey, of the R.F.A., had been wounded and is now in hospital at Liverpool.

Gunner Bailey, who joined up on January 16th this year, had been in France only about six weeks. He was formerly employed by Mr. John Clark, boot manufacturer, Rushden.

Rushden Soldier in Hospital - Corpl W Linnitt Wounded
Weak, but Getting on Nicely, Corporal W. Linnitt of Rushden was wounded on July 17th, and is now in the 11th Stationary Hospital, Rouen. Corpl. Linnitt, who is the son of Mr and Mrs J. Linnitt. of Portland Road, Rushden, has been out in France almost since the war started, having joined Lord Kitchener’s first army. Up to July 17th he had come through without a scratch, and had been in good health up to the time he was wounded.

Cpl Linnitt is attached to the Pioneers (--- Northants Regiment), and he will be missed very much by his pals and associates whom he has left behind in France, as he is of a cheerful and jovial nature.

Cpl Linnitt’s parents and sister have been very anxious as to his condition in hospital the last few weeks, but they have now received the good news that he is getting on nicely, but is at present very weak. His parents, relatives and friends in Rushden wish him a good recovery, and all hope he will be fortunate enough to be sent to England to get well again. There is little doubt that he will be brought over to England as soon as he is strong enough to travel.

Cpl Linnitt has one brother (Pte Ralph Linnitt, who has been wounded and is now stationed at Seaford, Sussex, being in the --- Reserve Canadians’ South Camp, Seaford.

Cpl Linnitt is suffering from gun-shot wounds in his chest, and is being well looked after, and is receiving every attention in the hospital.

Lance-Corpl. C. W. Smith - Now In Hospital
Lance-Corpl. Chas. Wilson Smith, son of Mrs. Smith, of Portland-road, Rushden, was wounded on June 8^th, and is now in hospital at Blakeley, Manchester.  He is in the Northamptonshire Regiment.  Previously an ironmonger’s assistant, he came home a couple of years ago in order to keep home going for his mother, and he took up a position in the packing-room of Mr. Chas. A. K. Green, boot manufacturer.  He was wounded in the right knee by a shell, and he cannot yet put his foot to the ground.

Rushden “Tank” Driver Wounded
We are sorry to learn that Gunner E. C. Catling, only son of Mr. Catling, of Newton-road, Rushden, has been wounded. The soldier is with the “Tanks” and has been in France one year and eight months. He has been with the “Tanks” in every action in which they have taken part since the battle of the Somme. He was home on leave about a month ago, and was then in the best of health and spirits. The family received a wire from the War Office which said he was dangerously ill at the 4th general Hospital with gunshot wounds in the left arm and back. Later telegrams and letters state that the soldier patient is improving and that the wounds are not of such a serious nature as the first telegram led one to think. We trust he will speedily be restored to health.

10^th August, 1917

Rushden Officer’s Wounds - Injured in the Recent Advance
  Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Harris, of Newton-road, Rushden, received a telegram on Monday from the War Office, giving the information that their son, Second-Lieut. J. S. Harris, of the Royal Engineers (an old Wellingburian), had been admitted into hospital at Abbeville, France, suffering from shrapnel wounds in the neck and arm.  In a letter received from the officer himself he makes light of his wounds, and expresses the wish that he may soon be able to return to his division.

  It was during the advance of last Tuesday week that Lieut. Harris received his wounds.

A Rushden Soldier’s Injuries - Private Sidney Sibley – Operation Necessary
Mr. and Mrs. J. Sibley, of 116, Wellingborough-road, Rushden, have, we regret to report, received a wire stating that their son, Pte. Sidney Sibley is dangerously wounded by gunshot in the arm and leg, and that he is in the 12th General Hospital, Rouen. No permission to visit him can be given.

Mr. and Mrs. Sibley sent a wire to the hospital on Wednesday asking for further news, and this (Friday) morning they received a letter from the head nurse who wrote that Pte. Sibley’s wounds were not serious when he was first admitted to the hospital, but that subsequently an optic abscess formed, which necessitated an operation. The doctor, she added, had hopes of Pte. Sibley’s recovery, and everything possible would be done for him.

Pte. Sibley enlisted on March 18th 1915, and proceeded to France on July 1st the same year. In the following October he was invalided home, suffering from shell shock, and did not return to the Western frony until January 2nd this year.

Prior to enlisting, he was employed by Mr. Geo. Selwood, boot manufacturer, of Rushden.

A Sniper’s Bullet
  Pte. Francis R. Smith, of the Cambridgeshire Regiment, whose wife resides at 10, Beaconsfield-place, Rushden, was wounded on July 31^st by a sniper’s bullet.  He has now been removed to England and is being treated in the Staffordshire Hospital at Stoke-on-Trent.

  Before joining the Colours, Pte. Smith was on the clerical staff at the factory of Messrs. John Cave & Sons, Ltd., boot manufacturers, Rushden, and prior to that he was with Messrs. Kingham, Abington-street, Northampton.

Private A. E. Laughton
  Pte. A. E. Laughton (Rushden), 10626, Scottish Rifles, is again in hospital – at Leicester – this time with a broken foot.  He says there are plenty of worse places than a hospital.

Corpl. W. Linnitt, Northants Regt. (Pioneers), son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Linnitt, of Portland-road, Rushden, has now arrived in England, and is in hospital at Newcastle-on-Tyne, where he is getting on as well as can be expected. All will wish him a quick recovery.

Gunner E. C. Catling, Motor Machine Gun Section (Heavy Branch), son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Catling, of Newton-road, Rushden, who as reported in last week’s “Rushden Echo,” has been wounded in the left arm and back, is now making progress as satisfactorily as can be expected. He is an inmate of the Ontario Military Hospital at Orpington, Kent.

Discharged Soldier’s Sudden Blindness—We regret to report that Mr. Horace Childs (son of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Childs, of 33 Cromwell-road, Rushden, formerly of the 2nd. Northants Regiment, is lying seriously ill at Stanwick. He received his discharge from the Army last September, following upon serious wounds which he received during the fighting ion France last year. Since his discharge he has appeared to be making satisfactory progress, and has been able to follow his employment in the shoe trade. Last Sunday, however, whilst on a visit to friends at Stanwick, he was seized with a fit whilst asleep, and we regret to report that he has gone completely blind. At present he is much too ill to be removed to his home, although he has recovered consciousness and can recognise his relatives by their voices. Much sympathy is felt with the family in this added trouble. Mr. and Mrs. Childs have two other sons in the Army, viz., Pte. George Childs, of the Northants Regiment, in Egypt, and Pte. Cecil Childs, who is in the Training Reserve. The doctor gives it as his opinion that Pte. Childs is suffering from shell shock, but there is some hope of his regaining his sight.

Rushden Soldier Gassed - A Painfull Experience - For Private W Gates
Mrs W Gates of 5, Kilburn Place, Rushden, has received news that her son, Pte W Gates, Inniskillin Fusiliers, is in No 3 Temporary Hospital, Exeter, after having been badly “gassed” on July 22nd.

Yesterday week his mother, sister, and brother-in-law received a wire calling them to his bedside, and they at once proceeded to Exeter. Fortunately when they arrived the crisis had passed and the sufferer had rallied. On Wednesday morning, Mrs Gates received a letter from her son saying that his eyes were a little better.

For seven days after he was gassed he was quite blind, and the hospital ship on which he crossed the Channel had a narrow escape from being torpedoed, the deadly missile passing within five yards of the ship.

Pte Gates, who joined up on November 16th last year, proceeded to France on February 1st this year, and on April 1st he received slight wounds which sent him into hospital in France for a time. It was whilst assisting a labour party after coming out of hospital that he suffered the effects of a gas shell. Prior to enlistment he was employed by Messrs Ebenezer Claridge and Sons, Rushden.

A Rushden Soldier’s Narrow Escape
Sapper R G Desborough – Wounded by Shrapnel
Mr. William Desborough, fruiterer, of High-street, Rushden, has received news that his son, Sapper Desborough, who enlisted in the spring of last year, went to France about three months ago, prior to which time he was in business as a tailor in partnership with Mr. J. Newell, of Irthlingborough. The soldier, whose wound is but slight, has had a narrow escape as described in a letter to his father. He writes under date August 20th:-

“A piece of shrapnel hit the back of my haversack, which I was carrying on my back. I did not feel it hit until afterwards, and didn’t know how I had been saved. It went in the back of my haversack, smashed my tin with my soap in it, and struck a tin a bully beef, and then still another tin, and shot it out of the end of the haversack, instead of going through my back as it must have done otherwise.

The piece of shrapnel finally embedded itself in Sapper Desborough’s back, but the wound is fortunately but superficial. He is now at a rest camp. [Sapper Robert George Desborough]

Rushden Soldier’s Ill Health - Driver Frank Griffith - Back Again in “Blighty”
Driver Frank Griffith, of the Army Service Corps, eldest son of Mr and Mrs E Griffith of Cromwell Road, Rushden, who has been in hospital at Malta, suffering from the effects of sunstroke and also from malarial fever, has now been invalided back to England. He is in a convalescent home at Bolton, Lancashire, where his parents have recently visited him. Unfortunately they found him in a poor state of health.

Rushden Echo, 24th August 1917, transcribed by Peter Brown

Gunner B H Ladds, son of Mr Benj Ladds, boot manufacturer, of Rushden, has been given a commission in the Royal Garrison Artillery.

Rushden Machine Gunner Wounded
We regret to learn that Gunner J. E. Dickerson, son of Mr. J. Dickerson, postman, Rushden, has been wounded in the leg. The soldier enlisted in the Duke of Bedford’s in November 1915, but was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps. He had been in France 15 months, and was about to get his first leave when he was wounded. Gunner Dickerson is now in a Leicester hospital.

Wounded in the Thigh
  Mr. and Mrs. Charles Whiting, of East-grove, Rushden, have received news that their son, Lance-Corpl. Fred Whiting, of the Royal Berks, has been wounded.  The first news was sent by the chaplain, who wrote that Lance-Corpl. Whiting’s injuries were not serious.

  Yesterday morning Mr. and Mrs. Whiting received a letter from their son himself in which he said that he had arrived in hospital at Cardiff.  His wound is in the thigh and will keep him in bed for some time.

  Lance-Corpl. Whiting enlisted three years ago and went to France in February, 1916.  He had fortunately escaped injury up to the date on which he received his present wound.  As a plumber and painter he served his apprenticeship with Mr. A. T. Nichols, Rushden, but just prior to enlistment he was working for Messrs. Cox and Brown, Irthlingborough.

Wounded in the Chest
  Mrs. Walker, of Victoria-road, Rushden, has received news that her husband, 41631, Pte. W. J. Walker, of the Royal Irish Rifles, was wounded in the left breast on August 16^th.  He is now in Petersfield Hospital, Hants, and is progressing as satisfactorily as can be expected.

  Pte. Walker, who is the only son of Mr. J. H. Walker, plasterer, Higham-road, Rushden, was, prior to enlistment, in business with his father.  He joined the Colours on October 23^rd last year, and proceeded to France In January this year.

Rushden Argus, 31st August 1917, transcribed by Gill Hollis

A Higham Ferrers Employee
  This (Friday) morning, Mrs. Frank Berrill, of 52, Sartoris-road, Rushden, received a field-card from her husband, Pte. Frank Berrill, of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, to say that he has been wounded and admitted into hospital.

  Pte. Berrill, who joined up on March 22^nd this year, went to France on June 13^th.  He was formerly employed by Messrs. Sudborough & Sons, boot manufacturers, Higham Ferrers.

Dangerously Wounded
  Mr. and Mrs. George Garley, of 47, Robert-street, Rushden, received a wire yesterday to say that their youngest son, Pte. Fred Garley, of the Beds. Regiment, is in the 42^nd Casualty Clearing Station, France, and dangerously wounded.  Permission to visit him cannot be granted.

  This morning Mrs. Garley received a letter from the Rev. James M. Murray, Presbyterian Chaplain, as follows:- “I am writing to let you know that your son, Pte. F. Garley, ---- Bedfords, has been wounded in the left arm, the right knee, and the abdomen.  He is as well as can be expected, and I hope he will improve and make a good recovery.  He will probably go soon to one of the hospitals at the Base and then, I hope, over to England.

  Pte. Garley, who joined up on September 13^th, 1915, has been in France altogether about 14 months.  He had been previously wounded in the hand, and came home with a poisoned hand in September last year, returning to France in January.  He was formerly employed by Messrs. Coe and Green, boot manufacturers, Rushden.

Private F. L. A. Glidle - Loses an Eye and Receives Serious Wounds
Two Brothers Killed
  We regret to report that Mrs. F. Glidle, of Little-street, Rushden, has received news to the effect that her husband, Pte. F. L. A. Glidle, of the Northants. Regiment, has been injured, and is now in hospital at Brighton.  He is wounded in the arm and leg, and has lost one of his fingers and an eye.

  Pte. F. L. A. Glidle is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Eli Glidle, of 67, Little-street, Rushden, and his family have been very badly hit through the war.  The father, who is blind, is in consumption, and two sons have been killed, viz., the late Pte. Chris Glidle and the late Pte. Herbert Glidle, both of the Northants. Regiment.  Another son, Pte William Glidle, has been in hospital in Egypt for the past 15 weeks suffering from fever and diphtheria.  Yet another son, Pte. H. E. Glidle, is fighting in France with the Machine Gun Corps, and a son-in-law, Lce.-Corpl. W. R. Cockings, of the Northants. Regiment is in Egypt.

  The eldest son, and the last of six, Mr. F. Glidle, appealed to the Rushden Tribunal for exemption on the grounds that he was contributing to the support of his father and mother, and was given six months’ open exemption.  The Recruiting Officer appealed against this, and the County Tribunal reversed the decision of the Rushden Tribunal, reducing Mr. Glidle’s exemption to December 27^th, final.  It was this decision – with other cases – that was the basis of the protest by the Rushden Tribunal on Monday last.

Rushden Officer’s Narrow Escape
An Exciting Time – The Only Officer Left in His Company
We are pleased to see that Second-Lieut. R. F. Knight, of The Old Rectory. Rushden, is again home on leave, and sound in wind and limb in spite of the fact that he has had some hairbreadth escapes. He was home a month ago, and was then expecting an extension of leave for business reasons, but this did not come through in time, and on his return to France, Lieut. Knight was informed that the extension had been granted. His regiment, however, was just about to go into action in connection with the big advance on July 31st, so he was therefore unable to get back home until a more favourable time presented itself.

Lieut. Knight has just been through a most exciting time, as his regiment has been engaged right through, and have suffered heavy casualties. He is the only officer remaining of his company.

On one occasion he had the best of good luck, as he was in a shelter with twelve others when a shell dropped amongst them and of the total number eight were killed outright, including his company commander.

Rushden Airman’s Promotion - Interesting Musical Incident
Second Air Mechanic E Wadsworth, of the Royal Flying Corps, a member of the firm of Messrs Wadsworth Bros. Coach and motor works, Newton-road, Rushden, has been promoted to be First Air Mechanic. He joined up a year ago last Good Friday.

An interesting incident happened recently in connection with First A M Wadsworth, who is a well-known local musician and formerly acted as organist at Chelveston Parish Church.

He was attending church at Shenley a few Sundays ago, when, during the service, the organist was taken ill. The Vicar asked if there was anyone in the congregation who would kindly take the organist’s place for the remainder of the service, and Mr Wadsworth volunteered to do so. Afterwards a gentleman in the neighbourhood saw Mr Wadsworth’s Commanding Officer, who consented to give leave on Sundays so that Mr Wadsworth could act as organist in place of the one who was taken ill and who has since been called up. Mr Wadsworth consequently has been acting as organist since then.

Rushden Policeman Wounded - P.C. E W Martin in Hospital – Injured in the Thigh
We regret to report the Pte E W Martin, of the Scottish Rifles, formerly of the Rushden Police Force, has been wounded in the left thigh, and he is now in hospital at Stourbridge, Worcestershire. The news was sent by the injured soldier himself to P.S. Brumby, to whom he gives the information that the wound is not serious, and that he is progressing favourably.

This is the second time that Pte Martin has been wounded, the former occasion being about twelve months ago. He joined up on May 1st, 1915, and has been in France about two years.

The Rushden Echo, 7^th September, 1917, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Rushden Soldier Injured - Private W. H. Goodliffe
Suffering from Gunshot Wounds
  Mrs. Goodliffe, of 1, Westbourne-grove, Rushden, has received official news that her son, Pte. W. H. Goodliffe, 18613, Leicestershire Regiment, has been dangerously ill, in hospital, suffering from gunshot wounds in the back, and stating that no permission to visit him could be granted.  Subsequently Mrs. Goodliffe received the following letter, showing that an improvement had taken place in the condition of her son:-

  “59^th Northern Gen. Hospital, A.P.O. S/2, B.E.F., August 19^th, 1917.  Dear Mrs. Goodliffe, - Your son has asked me to write for him and let you know that he is a patient in this hospital, having been wounded in the back.  He is feeling pretty bad, but I do not think that so far there is cause for grave anxiety about his condition.  I know that he would be glad to get a letter from you.  Yours sincerely, B. I. D. Smith, Chaplain.”

  Mrs. Goodliffe has now received a letter from her son, and, as it is in his own handwriting, there is clear evidence that he is making good progress.  In the course of the letter he says:-

  “I am a little better than I was when last I wrote to you.  All danger has passed now, so cheer up, and don’t worry, because your only son is in good hands.  It is these dear sisters and doctors at the hospital that we have to thank for pulling me through.  God bless them all.  The chaplain received your letter safe.  My word, he is a nice fellow.  He comes up to the hospital every afternoon to see how I am getting along.  As soon as I am fit to travel they will send me across to England; it may be any day now.”

  Pte. Goodliffe, before enlisting, worked in the finishing room of the Coxton Shoe Company’s factory.  He joined the Colours at Whitsuntide, 1916.  When he had been at the front about 14 months he was wounded.  Recovering from his injuries, he returned to the front, and had been there about nine weeks when he received his present wounds.

Rushden Victim of the War - Private Alfred Robert Sears - Killed in Action - Brother's Narrow Escape
In our issue of August 31st we reported that Pte Alfred Robert Sears, 14403, of the Northants Regiment was killed in action on August 16th. He was the son of Mr and Mrs William Sears, of 82 Wellingborough-road, Rushden. Deceased who was 19 years of age (had he lived he wound have been 20 on October 23rd), joined the Colours when he was only 16 years of age. He enlisted on September 1st, 1914, within a month of the outbreak of war. He was sent to France early in 1915, and was wounded at Aubers Ridge on May 9th, 1915, as soon as our troops made he advance. On June 9th, he was brought to England, and he remained in this country until February, 1916, when he returned to the front, and he remained there until his death. On July 9th, 1916, he took part in the Battle of the Somme, and was buried in a shell explosion. He was taken into hospital suffering from shell shock, but was not sent back to England. He was marked for a ten days' leave in England, but, unhappily was killed a week before the leave would have been taken.

Before enlisting, Pte Sears worked for Messrs. Nurrish & Pallett. As a lad he was a scholar in the Primitive Methodist Sunday School.

Mr and Mrs Sears have another son serving with the Colours - Gunner Edward Ernest Sears, R.F.A., who is in France. Like his brother, Gunner Sears has had the experience - about two months ago - of being buried by the explosion of a shell. With 13 others, he was in a dug-out when a shell burst among them. Seven of the party were killed, five were wounded, and one sustained shell-shock. The other member of the party, Gunner Sears, was hit in the back and neck, but was not seriously injured, and he was back in the line in less than a week.

Pte J H Shipman, Northants Regt., now a prisoner of war in Germany, is a brother-in-law of Gunner Sears and the late Pte A R Sears.

Rushden Soldier’s Ill Luck - Private W Craddock - Badly Gassed
Mrs W Craddock, who is residing with her mother, Mrs G White, 11, Beaconsfield-place, Rushden, has received official news that her husband, Pte W Craddock, of the Machine Gun Corps, Northants Regiment, has been badly gassed and is in hospital in France.

Pte Craddock has written home himself, and says that although he is very weak, he is progressing as satisfactorily as can be expected. He enlisted about nine months ago and went to France just before Whitsuntide. Prior to enlistment he worked for Messrs Nurrish and Pallett, boot manufacturers, Rushden.

The Rushden Echo, 14^th September, 1917, transcribed by Gill Hollis

The Battle of The Dunes - Good News Reaches Rushden
Lance-Corporal Fred Horn - Formerly of Irthlingborough
  We are pleased to report that Mrs. Fred Horn, formerly of Irthlingborough, and now temporarily residing with her mother, Mrs. A. Smith, of 28, Crabb-street, Rushden, has received a postcard from her husband, Lance-Corpl. Fred Horn, of the Northants Regiment, to say that he is a prisoner of war in Germany and quite well.

  Lance-Corpl. Horn, who has been missing since the Battle of the Dunes on July 10^th, was called up as a reservist at the commencement of the war, and fought right through Mons.  He was wounded on September 17^th 1914, and came to Blighty for one month, and then returned to France.  He was home on leave in Feb., this year.  Before being re-called to the Colours, he was employed by Mr. John Spencer, boot manufacturer, Irthlingborough.

Raunds and Rushden Meet – Private Harold Clipson, M.T., A.S.C., son of Councillor J S Clipson, of Rushden, was recently carrying out his duties in an orderly room “somewhere in Egypt” when a letter addressed to Mr Oliver Hall, the well-known humorous vocalist, of Raunds, came into his hands. Evidently the letter had been picked up at sea and re-posted.

The Wellingborough News, Friday 21 September 1917, transcribed by Nicky Bates

Rushden Soldier's CommissionWe have to congratulate Mr Charles Clark, son of Mr Clarke, of "Wellingtonia," Rushden, on obtaining his commission. The soldier joined up in 1914 as a gunner, and quickly gained his sergeant's stripes, serving for 2 years as a non-commissioned officer, ten months of which was in France. He came home to study for his commission. He has recently been gazetted to the R.F.A., and will soon be reporting to his depot. It will be remembered that his brother, Second-Lieut "Tom" Clark, was recently severely wounded and lost the sight of one eye.

Rushden Soldier Wounded
Shrapnel Injuries in the Shoulder
Mr and Mrs Joseph Smith, of 9 Station-road, Rushden, have received news that their son, Pte. Charles Smith, of the Lewis Gun Section, Beds. Regt., has been wounded by shrapnel in the shoulder, having received his injuries on September 15th, as his unit was preparing to leave the trenches. Four of his comrades were wounded at the same time, one, we regret to report, dying about half-an-hour afterwards.

Pte. Smith, who is now in hospital in France, has undergone an operation, and the shrapnel having been extracted from his shoulder, he is progressing satisfactorily. He joined up just before Christmas 1916, and went to France early this year. Before enlistment he was employed by Messrs Sanders & Sanders, boot manufacturers, Rushden, and he was a teacher in the Wellingboro’-road Mission Sunday school.

Rushden Soldier’s Ill Luck
Rifleman Joseph Edwin Ladds – Wounded a Second Time
Rifleman Joseph Edwin Ladds, King’s Royal Rifles, son of Mr and Mrs Ladds, Victoria-road, Rushden, whom, in our issue of September 29th 1916—exactly a year ago—we reported wounded in action in France, has now, we regret to say, again been injured. Last year he was shot through the calf of the left leg (on September 15th), and this year (on September 20th) he was wounded in the right leg. In a letter to his parents he says:-

“I am wounded in the right thigh, but not so badly as the last time, I am glad to say. I was in the big attack of September 20th, and a sniper shot me while in a shell-hole. They were half full of water. I was in one and another chap was badly wounded in another. He called to me for help, as his head was sinking into the water. I got out of the shell-hole, and as I was going to him a sniper shot me. I kept his head out of the water until I got some help. One poor chap came to help us and was shot through the heart, so I must think myself very lucky.

“It was the worst battle I have been in, but we did give them it. I am sorry to say we lost a lot of men. The ground was mostly all shell-holes, and, what made it worse, we had two hours’ rain the night before we went over. It was a treat to see our boys go over. Our barrages were grand. You could not hear one another speak; they all started together. I have got one of my chums in the next bed; he got hit in the shoulder. I saw Horace Church of Wymington, at the Casualty Clearing Station. He got wounded the same morning.”

Rifleman Ladds is now in hospital in the North of London. He had not long been in the line when wounded for the second time, having suffered from trench fever.

Wounded—Rifleman J E Ladds, of Rushden, who was wounded on September 20th, as reported in this issue, says in a letter home, that he met Horace Church, of Wymington at the clearing station, and adds that the soldier in question was also wounded on September 20th.

Rushden Soldier's Ill Luck - Private Walter Hankins - Wounded While Having a Rest
Mrs. Walter Hankins of 36, Sartoris-road, Rushden, last week visited her husband, Pte Walter Hankins, of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, who was wounded in the Battle of the Dunes. He is now in Woodford and Wanstead Military Hospital and progressing satisfactorily. His injuries are in the right side and were caused by the explosion of a shell.

Apparently Pte Hankins was not engaged in fighting at the time he received his wounds, but was having a rest and a smoke with some comrades when a shell burst near to the party, wounding him and killing one of his pals. Pte Hankins had been in France about six months when he received his wounds. Before enlisting on November 16th last year, he was employed at the C.W.S. Boot Works, Rushden.

His brother, the late Sergt. Herbert Hankins was killed on March 2nd this year, as recorded in the "Rushden Echo" at the time.

Gnr. E Upton Badly Injured - Right Leg and Left Arm Amputated
We regret to report that Gunner E Upton, R.F.A., Heavy Trench Mortar Battery, son of Mr and Mrs Aaron Upton of 2, Montague-street, Rushden, and whose wife resides at 18, Pemberton-street, Rushden, was dangerously wounded on Sept. 25th. He is now in hospital at Portsmouth, and we are sorry to report that it has been found necessary to amputate his right leg and left arm. He has also received a bad wound in the face. The same shell that injured Gnr. Upton accounted for the lives of the whole of the remainder of the trench mortar team. Writing to his wife, Gunner Upton, in spite of his grievous misfortune, says he is lucky to be alive.

Promoted
Second Lieut. L Perkins, Northants Regiment, T.F., has been graded for pay as a Staff Captain, and to be seconded.
Corporal Tom Partridge, of the Royal Flying Corps, son of Mr and Mrs T H Partridge, of Alfred-street Rushden, has been promoted to be sergeant.

Rushden Echo, Friday 12th October 1917, transcribed by Kay Collins

Bad Shaking for the Germans - A Rushden Man in the Big Advance
Corporal Frank Clayton Wounded a Fourth Time
Mrs W Clayton, of 151 Queen-street, Rushden, has received news that her son, Corpl. Frank Clayton, of the Suffolk Regiment, has been wounded for the fourth time. Corpl. Clayton has been in France since the commencement of the war and first wounded at the battle of Hill 60.

The news of his present injury is sent by the soldier himself in a letter dated Sept. 30th. He writes:-
“No doubt you have been wondering why I haven’t written just lately. Well, I will explain. I was in that big attack on September 26th, and was blown up by a shell, making me feel a bit silly, of course, and rather deaf; I also got a slight wound in the arm, which is almost healed. So you see that I am in hospital once more, but I really don’t know how long I shall remain here as I see men are being sent out pretty often. Unfortunately, I shall not get to ‘Blighty’ as I am not bad enough, but I don’t mind so long as I can keep away from the trenches. In the attack we did well, but it was a real Hell and murder. We gave the Germans a bad shaking up, that’s one thing. Tell Dad I shall be an old man before him now.”

Corpl. Clayton must bear a charmed life, as it will be remembered from an account previously given in the “Rushden Echo,” that in addition to the numerous wounds he has received, Corpl. Clayton with some comrades was a prisoner in the hands of the Germans for one week during which time they were kept in a dug-out with practically nothing to eat or drink. In the interim an officer and a private died, but on the seventh day the four survivors, including Corpl. Clayton, were rescued by the East Surrey Regiment, who had captured that part of the line.

Rushden Echo, 12^th October, 1917, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Bombardier A. Watson - Seriously Wounded
  We are sorry to report that Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Watson, 155, Queen-street, Rushden, have received a letter from the Rev. B. Booth, C.C., to say that their son, 9786, Bombardier A. Watson, S.B.R., has been seriously wounded, and is now in the 61^st Casualty Clearing Station, France.

  The chaplain writes: “Dear Mrs. Watson, Your son, Bombardier A. Watson, 9786, asks me to tell you that he is in hospital here.  I am afraid he is seriously wounded in both legs, but everything possible is being done for him.  He sends his love to all.  Unless you hear to the contrary he will be sent to a base hospital in a day or two, I do not know which.  May God comfort you in your anxiety.”

  Bombardier Watson, who was formerly a member of the Rushden Corps of the St. John Ambulance Association, was on holiday duty at Chatham Naval Hospital at the outbreak of war, and his services in consequence were retained on the outbreak of hostilities.  He remained there two years and five months, and then volunteered to proceed to the Front, going to France early this year.  Since then he has been attached as Red Cross attendant to a naval gun team that have been and are operating about five miles behind the front trenches, and it was during the course of these duties that he received his injuries.

  Mr. and Mrs. Watson are anxiously awaiting further news, and will be grateful for any further particulars any of his comrades can send them.

Wounded a Second Time—Mrs H Wilmott, of 101 Washbrook-road, Rushden, has received news that her husband, Pte. H. Wilmott, Royal Fusiliers, has been wounded for a second time, having received a gunshot wound in the left hand. In addition, he has been slightly gassed. Pte. Wilmott has been in hospital at Aldershot, but is now, we are pleased to report, convalescent.

Medals—We have to congratulate Sapper Percy Hart, of the Royal Engineers, son of Mr and Mrs J L Hart, of Washbrook-road, Rushden, upon having won two bronze medals and a wristlet watch value 25s. One of the medals has been obtained for bayonet fighting, and the other medal with the wristlet watch for marksmanship. Sapper Hart having proved himself best shot of his party. Sapper Hart, who is 19 years of age, is a former member of St Peter’s choir, Rushden. He joined up last January.

Rushden Soldier in Hospital - Private W Knight - Wounded by a Shell
Private W Knight, 65831, R.A.M.C., of Rushden, has been wounded, and is in hospital. He writes:-
“No doubt you have heard from the War Office that I have been wounded. It happened on the very day I completed two years’ service—September 25th. Our Division were going over the top the next morning, and a good lot of us had been sent up overnight ready to carry out the wounded. We sat in an old trench outside one of Fritz’s dug-outs, when all of a sudden he dropped a shell into the trench. The other chap got hit in seven places, I got a piece of shell through my knee. I have landed in a nice hospital, not far from Portsmouth, and I shall be well looked after while I am here.”

Pte Knight is the second son of Mrs H Knight, Cromwell-road, Rushden. The eldest son, Lance-Corpl. H Knight, it will be remembered, was in the Retreat from Mons in 1914. He was in the 12th Lancers, and had got three years’ service in when war broke out. He went out to France on August 16th, and was reported to have died of wounds on August 28th, so that he was the first one from Rushden to fall victim to the war.

The R.W.F.—Pte. Chas. Cook (Queen-street, Rushden), of the R.A.M.C. staff, with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, writing from Abbassia, Cairo, says: “I have not met many of the Rushden boys since I have been here, but I have met a good many of the Welsh and Hereford boys who were billeted with us in Rushden about two years ago, and they all speak highly of the hospitality they received in Rushden.”

In Hospital—Pte T Orton (Rushden), of the Northants Regt. (Pioneers), B.E.F., France, is in hospital suffering with rheumatism. His health is improving slightly.

Wounded—Gnr. Hanbury Ashdowne, of the Australian Artillery, son of the late Mr J Wykes Ashdowne, formerly the manager of the Union Bank at Rushden, and Mrs Ashdowne, of Great Houghton, is in Rouen Hospital with wounds in the leg, caused by shrapnel on October 5th. This is the second time that he has been wounded, the first time being in December last. Gnr. Ashdowne, who was educated at Wellingborough and Bedford Schools, went out to Australia in 1910, taking up religious work in connection with the Bush Brotherhood.

Rushden Argus, 26^th October 1917

Soldier Loses a Limb
We regret to report that Mrs. A. Fensome, of 12 North-street, Rushden, has received the news that her husband, Pte. A. Fensome, of the Suffolks, has had his right arm amputated at the shoulder, at Netley Hospital. This is the tenth operation he has undergone, and, we hope, the last. Pte. Fensome joined up in December last, and went to France at the beginning of March. At the end of the same month he was wounded, and was taken to a hospital in France. In May he was brought over to Netley Hospital where he has been ever since. He was confined to his bed for thirteen weeks. Before joining up Pte. Fensome worked at Eden’s boot factory, Moor-road, Rushden. He is the con of Mr. and Mrs. William Fensome, of 72 Higham-road, Rushden.

Rushden Athlete’s Accident – Kicked by a Horse
We are extremely sorry to learn that Trooper Len W. Brawn (of the Hussars, attached to the — Mounted Gun Squadron (Cavalry), B.E.F., France), son of Mr. and Mrs. Horace Brawn, of Victoria-road, Rushden, is lying dangerously ill in France.

His parents received the perturbing news on Monday by telegram, and on Tuesday they received a letter from the sister in charge of the hospital stating that his injury consisted of a fractures skull, sustained from the kick of a horse.

Trooper Brawn is well known throughout the town and district as a fine athlete, and his many friends will wish him a speedy recovery.

We are grateful to report that yesterday Mr. and Mrs. Brawn received a letter from the matron of the hospital to say that Trooper Brawn has regained consciousness and is progressing favourably.

  Pte. Coles, who joined the Northants Yeomanry two-and-a-half years ago, first went to France in July, 1916, but on being transferred to the Lancashire Fusiliers last August, he was sent home for further training, and had only returned to the Front a month when he got wounded.

Wounded - Pte. J. Coles, Lancs. Fusiliers, of Harborough Park, Rushden, has been wounded in the left arm. He joined the Northants Yeomanry 2½ years ago, but was transferred to the Lancs. Fusiliers this year.

Gassed—O.S. Chamberlain, Royal Naval Division, aged 18, son of the late Mr. C. Chamberlain, house decorator, of Rectory-road, is suffering from the effects of gas. He joined the Forces twelve months ago, and at the beginning of the present year he was sent to France.

Former Assistant Surveyor Injured On His Birthday
  We regret to report that Pte. J. W. Lloyd, of the Artists Rifles, formerly assistant surveyor to the Rushden Urban Council, has been severely wounded, having received a gunshot in the neck.  He received his injury on Oct. 30^th, which by a strange coincidence was his birthday.  He is now in the 24^th General Hospital, Etaples, France, and is making satisfactory progress.  His wife (nee Miss Beatrice Wright) has received a letter from him personally.  He writes in cheerful strain, although he says that his wound is very painful.

  Pte. Lloyd joined the colours on Jan. 1^st this year, and went to France in the following month.  He had not previously been wounded, although he had had many narrow escapes.  He is the brother of Mr. A. E. Lloyd, Town Surveyor of Higham Ferrers.

Appointment - Mr F C Bailey, of Rushden, who has been appointed second-engineer on one of H M rescue tugs, writes: We are busy trying to counteract the dreadful deeds of the Hun submarines. This coast is terribly rough, and this is the smallest boat I have been in since I went to sea four years ago. But when I read in the ‘Rushden Echo’, which I get every week, about how some of my friends are laying down their lives, and just the ground for a bed, I cannot grumble, for I have always a bed to sleep in, though at times we do not get much sleep.

Officer Wounded—We are sorry to learn that Lieut (Acting Captain) R Alan Marriott, of the Northants Regiment, son of Mr and Mrs Robert Marriott, of Rushden, has been severely wounded, probably at the recent battle of Gaza. His parents received an official wire on Tuesday stating that he was severely wounded on November 2nd.

Rushden Soldier in Palestine – Wounded in the Second Battle of Gaza
Mr and Mrs Charles Denton, of 47, Robinson-road, Rushden, have received official news that their son, 201156, Pte Horace Denton, of the Northamptons, was wounded on November 3rd. Pte Denton has been serving in Palestine, and it is presumably in the second Battle of Gaza that he met with his injuries.

Before enlisting, he worked for Messrs Sanders and Sanders, boot manufacturers, Rushden. He joined the Colours in June 1915, being attached to the 1/4th Northants Regiment. He went to Tring for training, and was sent out to Egypt in January 1916. Formerly he was a member of St Mary’s Church football team.

Mr and Mrs Denton have another son serving, viz., Pte Harry Denton, Royal Engineers, who is in Mesopotamia.

Private John Smith - Injured in Action
Mr. and Mrs. J. Smith, of 147, Queen-street, Rushden, have heard that their son, Pte. John Smith, of the Northants Regiment, was wounded on November 3^rd.  Pte. Smith joined up on November 10^th, 1914, and went to Egypt in January 1915.  Before enlistment he was employed at the Standard Rotary Works, Rushden.

The Rushden Echo Friday 23 November 1917, transcribed by Nicky Bates

Rushden Military Tribunal - Medical Re-Examinations - The Right of Appeal
.....Harry Cave, 37, class A, edge setter, said he had five small children, while one of his brothers had been killed, one had been a prisoner of war since September 1914, and the others were still fighting in France. His wife's brothers, too, were all in the Army. — December 31st.

Rushden Echo, 23rd November 1917, transcribed by Kay Collins

Rifleman Bert Chubb (son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Chubb, of Queen-street), who was discharged from the Army a few months ago, owing to serious wounds in the ankle, sustained twelve months ago last July, has been advised to undergo a further operation, and he has been granted admission into Duston Hospital for that purpose.

Wounded a Second Time — Experience of a Rushden Soldier
Mr and Mrs S Parker, of 8, Park-place, Rushden, received an official telegram on Saturday morning giving the information that their third son, 40751, Pte Charles Herbert Parker, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has been dangerously wounded and admitted into No. 20 Casualty Clearing Station. Permission to visit him cannot be granted.

This is the second time Pte Parker has been wounded, the first occasion being in April last year, when he received a severe gunshot wound in the right thigh. He was sent home to Winchester Hospital, and remained there about three months, subsequently returning to France about the end of August.

Pte Parker enlisted about 12 months ago, prior to which time he was in the employ of Mr Ebenezer Wrighton, boot manufacturer, Rushden.

Mr and Mrs Parker have two other sons serving their country, viz., Pte Fredk. Parker, of the machine Gun Corps, who it is thought may be in Italy, and Pte Henry Parker, of the Northants Pioneers, who has been in France two years. Both of these soldiers have had very narrow escapes, but up to the present have happily not met with serious injury.

Wounded—Pte H Scroxton, who has been wounded, and who is now at Weymouth, sends the following letter to the committee of the Newton-road Roll of honour: “I have been wounded, being hit by a German sniper. I was only about 20 yards from him. He had his rifle pointed straight at me and I received the full contents in the right side of my ribs and right shoulder. He put me out of action. I could not use my right arm for the time being, so I had to come out of it, and the ‘coming out of it’ was worse than ‘going into it.’ I have heard people remark about a hot place they might go to, but if it is any warmer than it was then, it must be hot. I was very lucky to get off with what I did, for there were plenty of spare pieces flying about—too many for my liking. There were only about 30 of my company left out of 250. The others were either killed or wounded, so that will give you a little idea of what it was like. I expected to go under at any time, but I pulled myself together and took the risk, and I must have taken it just at the right time. I have got on wonderfully since I have been here. The wound in the shoulder is almost healed, but the one in the side will take some time to heal yet.”

Rushden Officer Wounded - Lieut. Basil M Miller – Injured While in Egypt
Mr and Mrs George Miller, of Cromwell House, Rushden, received an official wire on Friday last stating that their younger son, Lieut. Basil Makepeace Miller, of the Northants Regiment, had been slightly wounded on November 27th, but had remained on duty.

Lieut. Miller who is in Egypt, enlisted as a private in the same month as the war broke out, He was gazetted second-lieutenant in February 1915, and the “London Gazette” of November 30th contained the news that he had been promoted full lieutenant as from July 1st.

He has been in Egypt two years.

The Rushden Echo, 14^th December, 1917, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Rushden Soldiers Wounded - Private Arthur Howes and Private Harvey Walker
    Mr. and Mrs. Walter Howes, of 8, Fitzwilliam-street, Rushden, have received a letter from their son, Pte. Arthur Howes, of the Northants Regiment, to say that he has been admitted into hospital with a gunshot wound in the forearm.  He is now in No. 11 General Hospital, Rouen, but as his wound is only slight he is afraid he will not get to Blighty.

  Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Walker, of 94, Wellingborough-road, Rushden, have received a letter from their son, Pte. Harvey Walker, of the Northants Regiment, to say that he has been wounded for the second time and admitted into hospital.  He writes: “I am going on nicely, but I am sorry to say I shall not get to England.  I am sorry to say that a lot of the boys have gone, but I was lucky.  I was wounded in my back and legs, and I got buried with a shell.”  Pte. Walker has been in France altogether about two years, and his previous wound was received about twelve months ago, and on that occasion he was not privileged to be sent home.  Before enlistment he was employed by Messrs. Duncan and Davidson, boot manufacturers, Rushden.

The Rushden Echo, 21^st December, 1917, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Rushden Soldier in Hospital - Sapper H. C. Shrives Wounded
Bandsman and Footballer
  Mr. and Mrs. Charles Shrives, of 43, Grove-road, Rushden, have, we regret to learn, received official news that their only son,73853, Sapper H. C. Shrives, of the Royal Engineers, is dangerously ill in hospital at Alexandria from a wound.  The official note states that he was admitted to hospital on December 11^th but it is not known what institution he is in.

  Mr. and Mrs. Shrives, who are naturally in much anxiety, will be grateful for any further information any of their son’s comrades can send them.

  Sapper Shrives joined the Colours two years last October, up to which time he worked for Messrs. Duncan and Davidson, Rushden.  Right up to the time of joining the Army he was a highly respected and useful member of the Rushden Temperance Band, playing the trombone.  He was also a well-known local footballer, playing for the Rushden Windmill Football Club.

The Rushden Echo, 21^st December, 1917, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Twelve Wounds, Now Frostbitten - Soldier In Hospital
  Pte. Harry Parker, 7303,  --- Beds. Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. Parker, of 8, Dell-place, Rushden, who has twice been wounded (sustaining twelve wounds in all) is again in hospital.  He writes:-

  “Dear Dad and all, - Just these few lines to let you know I have landed in England, and am in hospital at Ipswich.  My feet have been frozen, so I am helpless for a time, but I am getting on nicely.  It seems quite a treat to be away from the ‘hell’ out there.  I went in the trenches when I got back, and had five days up to my waist in water; then it froze hard, and about a dozen of us were nearly frozen to the mud.  I cannot move my feet yet.”

  Pte. Parker, who stands 6 feet 4½ inches high, and is 21 years of age, wears four stripes – one for long service (five years), one for good conduct, and two for having been twice wounded.  He was recently home on leave, and went back four weeks ago last Saturday.

Rushden Reservist Wounded
Pte. P C Brawn Injured a Second Time – In Hospital in Egypt
Pte. P C Brawn, 3/9036 Northants Regt., son of Mr and Mrs Benjamin Brawn, of 116 Harborough-road, Rushden, is in the 45th Stationary Hospital, El-Arish, Egypt, suffering from a gun-shot wound in the left leg.

Pte. Brawn, who was called up as a reservist at the beginning of the war, has once before been wounded, viz., on November 1st 1914, when he was injured in the right hand, and came home to Blighty for a week or two. He went to Egypt last July.

Mr and Mrs Brawn have two other sons serving, viz., Pte. Ernest Brawn, of the Northants Regiment, who is in Egypt, and Pte. William Brawn, of the Seaforth Border Regiment, who has been thrice wounded and who is now stationed at the Northampton Depot.

Rushden Soldier’s Injuries - Pte Joseph Arthur York Wounded
Father and Son with the Colours
Pte. C York, of 3 College-street, Rushden, has received official news that his only son, 20230 Pte Joseph Arthur York, of the Coldstream Guards, was severely wounded in the head, hands and legs on Dec. 2nd. For a short time the injured soldier was in No. 6 General Hospital, Rouen, but he is now in hospital at Denmark Hill, London. In letters sent to his aunt and fiancé he says that he is suffering a great deal of pain, and has been under the X rays.

Pte. York joined up just over 12 months ago, and went to France early this year. Before joining up he was employed by Mr Joseph Knight, boot manufacturer, Rushden.

The father, Pte. Charles York, of the Royal Engineer Labour Battalion, has served over two years in France, and was gassed on April 30th, 1916, and after about six weeks in various hospitals in France, he was sent home on sick leave. Having suffered very indifferent health since, he has been kept in England, and is now expecting his discharge.

Pte. C York’s brother, the late Private Alfred York (Royal Engineers), was killed in action on April 4th, 1916, as reported in the “Rushden Echo” at the time.