Rushden Seaman’s Injuries – Accident to Mr. Horace Green
Mr. and Mrs. William Green, of 81 Park-road, Rushden, have received information that their youngest son, Horace Green, A.B. of the Royal Naval Division, has met with an accident in France. All the information they have received up to the present is that he is in hospital with his ankle broken in two place. Stretcher-Bearer W. Maddock, A.B., of York-road, Rushden, was with him at the time of his accident, and carried him to the dressing station.

Wounded—In our last issue we reported the death of Rifleman Stephen Horsley, Civil Service Rifles, of the firm of Messrs. John Horsley, Ltd., corn merchants, Wellingborough, Rushden, and Higham Ferrers. We now regret to announce that deceased’s brother, Rifleman John C. Horsley, of the same regiment, has been seriously wounded by gunshot in the left leg, while on service in Palestine, and is now in hospital in Egypt. Before joining the Colours he was in charge of the Rushden branch of the firm.

Torpedoed—Among those on board one of the vessels torpedoed in the Mediterranean at the end of December was Pte. George Flavell, of Rushden, who, writing to his sister, Mrs. Frank Clayson, gives a graphic description of the damage to the vessel he was on. He says it was a bright morning, and as the men were nearing their destination they were in high spirits, when suddenly the torpedo struck the ship, which began to sink at once. He and others got into a boat, which, however, in turn was torpedoed, and the occupants were struggling in the sea for some time before another boat came and rescued them.

Pte. H. M. Johnson, Northants Regt., signalling section (formerly with Mr. W. P. Orrell, chemist) came out top in the signalling examination, and gained a flag.

Rescued—Mr. E. Rattley, formerly fish merchant at Rushden, was one of the soldiers on board a recently-torpedoed vessel, but fortunately, after being in the water two hours, clinging to a raft, he was rescued.

Sapper W. C. Taylor, R.E., son of Mr. W. Taylor, High-street, has been admitted to hospital in France, suffering from a fractured bone in the ankle. He has now been sent to a base hospital. He was telegraphist in the Rushden Post Office before joining the Colours.

Rushden Officer in Hospital
A Big Rout of the Enemy in Palestine – Lieut. B. M. Miller Wounded
Mr. G. Miller, J.P., C.A., of Rushden, has received a letter from his son, Lieut. Basil Makepeace Miller, of the Northants Regt., giving details of the fighting which preceded the capture of Jerusalem. Writing from hospital under date January 2nd he says:-

“We were going at it hammer and tongs for five days, and the sixth day saw them clear. Now we are beyond the Jaffa-Jerusalem line. It is one of the biggest routs the |British have ever dealt the enemy. I am longing to see the English and Turkish communiques.”

Lieut. Miller has been out with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force over two years, having joined the Colours immediately on the outbreak of war. He has fought throughout the whole of the Holy Land campaign, having been in charge in every battle in which he has participated of the Lewis machine guns. It was whilst carrying out these duties during the advance on Jerusalem that he received a wound during a counter-attack by the Turks. He is now in hospital at Alexandria, Egypt, where he is making satisfactory progress.

The Rushden Echo, 8^th February, 1918

Rushden Soldier’s Safety
Sergeant Ernest Darnell in Palestine - A Providential Escape

  In our last issue we reported that Mrs. Ernest Darnell, of 37, Victoria-road, Rushden, had received a telegram from the headquarters of her husband’s regiment at Chatham to say that he was missing and believed to be drowned.  We are now pleased to report that this belief has proved to be unfounded, as although Sergt. Ernest Darnell has had a narrow escape, he is alive and well in Palestine.

  It was anticipated that he was on board one of the boats which was torpedoed in the Mediterranean a month ago, and it is only by what may almost be termed an act of Providence that such was not the case.  In letters received by his wife on Tuesday morning, in which he acquaints her of his safety, he gives the reason for his providential escape from the fate of many of his chums.  He writes under date January 7^th:-

  “Just a line to inform you I have arrived here (Egypt) quite safely, but very lucky, with a handful of men.  The others, poor souls, I mean the officers and men of my section who sailed just in front of us, were sunk, so you see I am very anxious to hear who is saved and who went down.  The reason I was not with the section is because I came in another boat, with the horses (very lucky).  The weather here now is awful, the rain is terrible, and it is up to our knees in mud.  The news we have just got from the front is very good indeed, the Johnny Turk is about done.  Let my people know I am safe.”

  In another letter dated January 10^th, Sergt. Darnell says: “I lost four from my section drowned.”  Writing under date January 13^th, he says: “I am in the pink at present, in the Holy Land, and in good health.”

  Last week’s unfounded news was the second time that Sergt. Darnell had been wrongly reported killed, as an unofficial report of his death was sent from France in December, 1914.  Sergt. Darnell has served ten years with the Colours, and has been through all the fighting on the Western front, and although he has had many narrow escapes he has come through so far without so much as a scratch.  His wife received many letters of condolence in her presumed loss, and to such friends who sent these, she desires to express her thanks.  These friends will we feel sure rejoice with her in the good news she has now received.

The Rushden Echo, 1^st March, 1918

Local Soldiers Play - Football Match for A Salmon Tea - Somewhere in France
(By our Special War Correspondent)

  A very interesting match was played one fine evening a short distance behind the firing line, between No. 11 Platoon and Headquarters of C. Company of the -------Battalion of the Northants Regiment.  The match was arranged as the outcome of a little “argument,” and a delightful salmon tea was to be provided for the winners by the losers.  Fate, however, was against either side partaking of such a luxurious tea, as the teams were so well matched that a draw resulted of one goal each.  It is not necessary to go too deeply into the play of individual members of the team, as any praise bestowed upon them would be too much for such modest heroes.

  In the distance the guns were doing their best to attract the attention of the players from their game, but in the words of the poet, “There was nuffin’ doing.”  The only kind of bombardment that the players seemed at all keen on was the bombardment of the opposing goal-keeper.  Even shrapnel thrown overhead a little way off did not detract from the seriousness of the game.

  The fate of the match was in the capable hands of Acting C.S.M. Jaques, whose fairness to both sides could not in any way be disputed.

  A most enthusiastic crowd, partisans of either side, witnessed this match, and the thoughtful stretcher-bearers brought a stretcher on the field, which happily turned out not to be necessary, as the barks of most of players before the match turned out to be, fortunately, much less dangerous than their bites when on the field.

  Each goalkeeper played with consummate skill and cleverness; the backs were all excellent; the halves were untiring in their efforts, and the forwards would have done credit to any first-class eleven.  Of course, this is my own opinion, as a humble scribe, but I found out afterwards that opinions slightly vary, and the arguments have risen to such heights that it is necessary to replay the match so that a definite result be arrived at.  The following are the heroes of the event:-

HEADQUARTERS – Pte. Dorkins, Lance-Corpl. J. Swann, Sig. Baines, Pte. Gill, Pte. R. Cooper, Corpl. W. Poole, Pte. A. Rands, Sig. B. Knight, Pte. H. Hitcham, Lance-Corpl. Whitely, Sig. Turner.

No. 11 PLATOON – Lance-Corpl. Bennett, Pte. Warwick, Pte. A. Firmin, Lance-Corpl. Knowles, Pte. Baker, Pte. J. Davies, Pte. Whitehead, Pte. Lathaway, Pte. Hunt, Lance-Corpl. A. White, Pte. Liddington.

  Referee, Acting C.S.M. Jaques, Linesmen, Pte. C. Aldridge and Lance-Corpl. Flood.

A Former Volunteer—Shoeing-Smith Harris (Rushden), of the Veterinary Corps, ex-sergeant of the Rushden platoon Volunteers, writes to Second-Lieut. F. Sargent, under date February 24th, as follows: “No doubt you will be surprised to get a letter from me, but as I have a few minutes to spare I thought I would drop you a line. Well, to start with, I have been reading the “Rushden Echo” this afternoon, and I got quite interested in the column about the smoking concert of your Volunteers, held at the Vic., and by that I should think you have got a good company. I can tell you my thoughts went back to the happy evening we spent there when Bob Knight, our old confederate, had his farewell. I am always interested in news of the old boys, and I always look back with great pleasure at the good times we had in the V.T.C. I am very pleased to see the old veterans, Messrs. Turner, Jolley, Beardsmore, and Billy Wood are still toeing the line, not forgetting Bill Steele and B. Tomkins. Please remember me to them all, and the best of luck to your company.—Yours truly, Frank Harris (Ex-Sergt. V.T.C.)”

Trooper Len Brawn, son of Mr. and Mrs. Horace Brawn, of Victoria-road, Rushden, has been discharged from the 3rd. Scottish General Hospital, Stobhill, Glasgow, and is now at a Convalescent Home in Scotland.

Rushden Soldier’s Sight – Lost Under Severe Gassing
We regret to learn that Pte. Charles Smith, only son of Mr. and Mrs. James Smith, of 9 Station-road, Rushden, has been badly gassed. He has once previously been wounded, and early this week his parents received news that he had been gassed, yesterday receiving a letter from the soldier himself who is now in hospital at Lincoln. He writes that he was quite blind for a few days after he became a casualty, but fortunately his sight has now been restored.

Pte. Smith, who joined the Colours about 15 months ago, prior to which time he was employed at Messrs. Sanders and Sanders, boot manufacturers, Rushden, was formerly a teacher in the Wellingboro’-road Mission Sunday School, Rushden. He has served on the Western front for about 12 months, and a little more than a fortnight ago was home on leave.

The Wellingborough News Friday 29 March 1918, transcribed by Nicky Bates

Rushden Officer Wounded
Second-Lieut Charles H Clark, Trench Mortar Section, R.F.A., son of Mr and Mrs C Clark of "Wellingtonia," Rushden, has been wounded in the great battle, being shot in the left arm by a sniper, and is now in hospital in Reading. Lieut Clark has seen much service. He joined the ranks, and was gazetted early this year. His younger brother has been incapacitated from further service by wounds received in action, and is a present at home. [Younger brother is Tom L Clark]

Rushden Echo, 5^th April, 1918, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Lucky Escape From Fritz - Rushden Soldier This Side The Prairie
Signaller Bert Cowley in Hospital
Signaller Bert Cowley, of the Northants Regiment, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. George Cowley, of 14, Portland-road, Rushden, has received a wound in the left arm, and is now in the 3^rd Scottish General Hospital, Stobhill, Glasgow.

  The news was received by his wife last Sunday morning, when she had a field card from the soldier himself, and this was followed by a letter on Monday in which the soldier wrote: “I am this side the prairie and doing fine.  I am sorry I could not get near home, but, never mind, I am happy here.  I am in Glasgow, as you can see.  I am fortunate to be here, as we had a lucky escape from Fritz.  If you send back send some stamps and writing paper, as I have nothing.  ‘Jerry’ has it all, and a few bullets too.  I am having a bon time (don’t worry).”

  Signaller Cowley joined the Colours at the beginning of last year, and has been in France about seven months.  He was formerly employed at Messrs. Wm. Green and Sons, boot manufacturers, Rushden.

Rushden Footballer Wounded - Lance-Corporal A Bass Badly Hurt
A Comrade’s Sacrifice
Mrs Arthur Bass, 1 Queen’s-terrace, Rushden, has received news that her husband, 89368 Lance-Corpl. A Bass, of the Machine Gun Section, has been badly wounded by shrapnel in the groin, and is now in hospital at Manchester. Lance-Corpl. Bass was in such a precarious condition that it was found necessary to transfuse six ounces of blood from a comrade into his veins, and it was undoubtedly this comrade’s self-sacrifice that saved his life.

The wounded soldier’s injuries were dressed in the trenches by his comrades, who then carried him five miles to the dressing station, by which time Lance-Corpl. Bass was in a state of collapse. It was, we understand, only due to the skill of a very clever surgeon that his leg was saved. He arrived in England last week, and is making as good progress as can be expected.

Lance-Corpl. Bass is well known in Rushden as a footballer, having formerly played for the Rushden Fosse Football Club. He enlisted about 18 months ago, prior to which time he was in the employ of the Tecnic Boot Co. Rushden. When he received his wound he had only been back in France three days, having just spent 14 days’ leave in Rushden. He has four other brothers serving with the Colours, two of whom are in France.

Rushden’s Casualty List – Wounded and Gasses In the Great German Offensive
Pte. C Dowsett, Grenadier Guards, husband of Mrs Dowsett, of Sartoris-road, Rushden, has been wounded during the recent German attack, and is now in Blighty and in hospital.

Pte. Jim Bates, Northants Regiment, husband of Mrs Bates, who resides with her mother at 69 Harborough-road, Rushden, has been dangerously wounded in the right arm, and is now in hospital at Rouen. The news was first received by telegram on Tuesday, and it was stated that permission to visit the wounded soldier could not be granted. Pte. Bates, who was home on leave during January last, was then married, and he had only been back at the front about a month when he received his wound. Altogether he has been in France about three years.

Pte. Frank Darnell, 22077, Royal Sussex Regiment, son of Mr Wm. Darnell, of 80 Harborough-road, Rushden, and whose wife resides at 7 Mannings-street, Rushden, has been wounded in the left wrist and also gassed, and he is now in hospital at Rouen. Pte. Darnell, who received his injuries on March 25th, writes: “I got a machine gun bullet through the wrist and I was gassed. It seemed as if every German had got a machine gun; I shall never forget it—millions flying all round me. How I got through it God only knows; there were thousands wounded, and it took three days for our lot to get down to the base. Poor Johnny Bailey got killed on the 21st—shot through the back into his lungs. He was buried with three others. There are not many of us left now.” Pte. Darnell, who enlisted on August 18th, 1917, went to the Western front on December 13th last year. Before enlistment he was in the employ of the Tecnic Boot Company, Rushden.

Pte. Leonard G Jordan, London Regt., son of Mr and Mrs F Jordan, of Northampton, late of Rushden, and nephew of Mr B Vorley, of Rushden, was wounded on March 21st by a bullet through the left shoulder, and is now at Trouville. In a note to Mr Vorley he says he had previously written a letter, but had to leave it in a dug-out and clear off, being lucky to get out of it.

Mrs A Knight, of North-street, Rushden, has received news that her husband, A.B. Arthur G Knight, R.N.D., was gassed on March 13th, and is now in hospital in Leeds, where he is making good progress.

Rushden Soldiers in the Big Fight
Pte Frank Darnell, of the Royal Susses Regt., son of Mr. William Darnell, of 80, Harborough-road, Rushden, has been gassed and wounded in the left wrist, and is in hospital at Rouen. In a letter home he says it seemed as if every German had a machine gun. Pte. Darnell was employed at the Tecnic Boot Co., Rushden, and enlisted in August, 1917, going to France in December.

Pte. C. Dowsett, of Sartoris-road, Rushden, and the Grenadier Guards, has received wounds and is now in hospital in England.

A.B. Arthur G. Knight, R.N.D., of 8, North-street, Rushden, has written to his wife that he was gassed on March 13th, and that he is now in Leeds making, we are glad to learn, a good recovery.

Pte. Jim Bates, Northants Regt., of 69, Harborough-road, Rushden, his wife learns, has received a dangerous wound in the right arm, and is now at Rouen. The gallant soldier has been in France three years, and was home about two months ago on leave, when he married.

Pte. Leonard G. Jordan, nephew of Mr. B. Vorley, of Rushden, and himself late of Rushden, has been shot through the shoulder.

Pte. H. Woods, Northants Regt., of Robert-street, Rushden, is now in England making progress after receiving a wound in the right leg, about a fortnight ago. He has been in France about ten months.

Rushden Stretcher Bearer Wounded in the Big Battle
Lance-Corpl. Percy M Austin, 23048 D Company, - Northants Regiment, has been seriously wounded in the big battle. He is 27 years of age, and is the son of Mr and Mrs William Austin, of 16 Cromwell-road, Rushden. He was hit in the head and leg, and the sight of both eyes has been seriously affected. Before joining the Colours in June 1916, he was employed as foreman at the box factory of Messrs H W Chapman Ltd., Cromwell-road, Rushden. He was associated with the park-road Wesleyan Church Rushden. [There is another report about Percy in the following week's paper]

Pte. H Woods Hurst in the Leg – In hospital in England
News has been received by Mrs H Woods, of 49 Roberts-street, Rushden, that her husband, 203079 Pte H Woods, Northants Regiment, was wounded in the right leg a week last Wednesday, having only been back from “Blighty” leave about a fortnight. He is now in hospital at Norwich, and making good progress towards recovery. Pte. Woods, whose name is on the Park-road Baptist Roll of Honour, joined the Colours a year ago last January, and has been in France altogether about ten months. Before enlistment he was employed by Mr Joseph Knight, boot manufacturers, Rushden.

Rushden officer Wounded
Lieutenant H H Cowley - In Hospital in London
Mr and Mrs F Cowley, of 28 High-street, Rushden, have been to visit their son, Second-Lieutenant H H Cowley, of the King’s Liverpool Regiment, who was wounded in the left thigh on March 27th, and who is now in the Royal Free Hospital, Gray’s Inn-road, London, W.C.

The first news Mr and Mrs Cowley received was by telegram from the officer himself, who wired that he had been wounded and had arrived in England on his way to London. When Lieut. Cowley’s parents visited him they found him making satisfactory progress, in the best of spirits, and hopeful of getting home in the near future.

Pte. H. Joyce, Northants Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Joyce, of 1 Sartoris-road, who, as reported in our last issue, is in hospital in Nottingham, is now making good progress. One of the hospital staff writes to the parents: “Your son’s hand is healing very nicely, and he is getting up and about all right. There is no need to worry about him. The wound is healing well.”

Pte. Percy Nichols, Lancashire Fusiliers, husband of Mrs. Nichols, of 164 Cromwell-road, Rushden, has been sent home from France suffering from trench feet, and is now in Hampstead General Hospital, London. He has been right through the recent big battle. He is a Wesleyan local preacher.

At Home—A fortnight ago we published the news that Second-Lieutenant Charles H. Clark, of the Trench-Mortar Section, R.F.A., son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Clark, of “Wellingtonia,” Rushden, has been wounded and was in hospital at reading. He is now about again, and has been able to visit Rushden this week.

Wounded—Pte. Leonard Denton, 20026 Northants Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Denton, of 6 Station-road, Rushden, has been wounded, and is now in Ecclesall Infirmary, Sheffield. His parents received the information on Tuesday. Pte. Denton joined the forces on June 13th 1915, and after seven months’ training was drafted to the Western front. He was formerly employed by Mr. B. Ladds, boot manufacturer, Rushden.

Rushden Casualties in the Great Fight
Mr. Vauser Meadows, of 22, Irchester-road, Rushden, has heard that A.B. John Deighton Parker, of the R.N.D., and formerly of 14, Gordon-road, Rushden, has been wounded. He joined up in Spetember, 1917, and had been in France about eleven weeks. Previous to enlistment he was employed at Messrs. James Hyde’s Ltd., Rushden.

Mrs. Willmott, of 57, Harborough-road, has received news that her husband, Pte. Robert Ralph Willmott, Northants Regiment, has been wounded.

Rushden Soldier in Egypt – Meeting with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers
Mr and Mrs Wm Lingard, of 19 Pratt-road, Rushden, have received news from their son, Sapper E Lingard, Railway Operating Division, to say that he safely landed in Egypt on March 12th. Extracts from his letters are as follow:-

“March 14th—I have got safely to my destination. We must all thank God that I landed safely, as our journey was beset by danger, but your prayers were answered, as I knew they would be. There are some Welsh here.”

“March 15th—I met Fred Willis (of Cromwell-road, Rushden—Ed. R.E.) the other day at dinner—his sister married Will Seamark (of Cromwell-road, Rushden—Ed. R.E.)—he is quite well at present. We had a long stroll and talk together. I shall look for the ‘Rushden Echo’. Ern Baker (of Pratt-road, Rushden—Ed. R.E.) and Rice (Drummer Rice, of Rushden Ed. R.E.) are not far up from where I am”.

“March 17th—I have met several Welsh lads who were at Rushden, and they don’t just half praise dear old Rushden up.”

Sapper Lingard, who joined the Colours last July, was formerly a goods checker for the Midland Railway at Bingley, Yorks. As a lad he passed through the Rushden Wellingboro’-road Mission Sunday School, his father having been for many years leader of the band in connection with that place of worship.

Rushden's Casualty List
Pte. Laurence Bazeley, Queen’s (Royal West Surrey), son of Mr. and Mrs. John Bazeley, of 82 Glassbrook-road, Rushden, has been wounded in the right arm by a sniper, and is in hospital at Barry-road, Northampton. Although the bone of the arm is shattered, Pte. Bazeley is making good progress.

Mr. and Mrs. John Berridge, of 48 Station-road, Rushden, have received official news that their son, 85849 Pte. E. Berridge, King’s Liverpool, is suffering from severe sickness. News was received last Friday morning that he was in St. Mary’s Hospital, Edmonton, and making satisfactory progress.

Mrs. Lawman, of 35 Pratt-road, Rushden, has now received some definite news concerning her husband, Signaller Harold Lawman (Queen’s Royal West Surreys). Lance-Corpl. E J McFarland writes under date April 5th: “I am writing these few lines to you asking you to be brave and receive some bad news, for I have to write and inform you that Signaller Lawman is reputed missing, but all the signallers and myself all hope that you will receive some tidings of him so as to know exactly what happened to him, for he will be missed by all, and I know quite well what it means to you, but still we cannot be our own masters can we? or I don’t think this job would last much longer, but there, we must trust to the Lord to bring him back safely to you, for I know myself from experience what it means to lose those you have. I have lost all: I am the only survivor of our family at 20 years of age. Will you let me know is you get any news of him, as all the boys are anxious about him.” Pte. Lawman joined the Colours about three years ago, and once before was wounded, being shot in the back twelve months ago last June. He was then sent home to England, where he remained for 14 months, returning to France on August 15th last. Prior to enlistment he was employed by Messrs. Tebbutt and Hall, boot manufacturers, Raunds. Mrs. Lawman will be grateful to any of her husband’s comrades who can further enlighten her as to his fate.

Two soldier brothers, who reside at 6 and 39 Crabb-street, Rushden, respectively, are both in hospital as a result of the fighting on the Western front. The eldest, Pte. William Sail, Beds Regiment, is in hospital at Southampton, suffering from trench fever, but we are pleased to report is making slow but sure progress towards recovery. The younger brother, 203064, Pte. George Sail, Northants Regiment, was admitted into the 1st Australian General Hospital, Rouen, on April 5th, suffering from a mild shrapnel wound in the head. This is the second time Pte. G. Sail has been in hospital, the first occasion being last June, when he was stricken with trench fever. William joined the Colours on July 19th 1917, and went to France on November 5th last. George joined on January 17th 1917, and proceeded to the Western front on the following Easter Monday.

The Rushden Echo, 12^th April 1918, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Casualty List - Mrs. H. Checksfield, of 77, Spencer-road, Rushden, has gone to visit her husband, Pte. Harry Checksfield, of the Beds. Regiment, who is in Dewsbury Hospital, Yorks., suffering badly from the effects of mustard gas – one of the latest forms of German frightfulness.  We are sorry to report that Pte. Checksfield’s eyes have been affected, as a matter of fact, for a few days he was quite blind, but he is now gradually recovering his sight.  He was also buried by the gas shell which poisoned him, and on being dug out it was found that he was severely burned about the body.  For three days he lost his voice completely.  Pte. Checksfield, who joined up about 15 months ago, has been in France nearly twelve months.  Prior to enlistment he carried on business in Rushden as a cabinet maker, and was well known throughout the district as a bird fancier, his exhibits of British birds being in evidence at most of the local fur and feather shows.  His many friends will wish him a speedy recovery.

  Mr. and Mrs. C. Sharpe, of 8, Harborough-road, Rushden, have received official information that their eldest son,  2543, Pte. Charles Sharpe, of the Hussars, received a severe gunshot wound in the right leg on March 30^th, and that he is now in the 1^st General Hospital, in France.  Pte. Sharpe has served nearly eleven years with the Colours, and has been in France since the outbreak of war, going right through the retreat from Mons, when he also received a wound in the leg, which sent him to England for three or four months.  Just recently also he received a bullet wound in the hand, but continued at his duties until he was granted home leave just after Christmas.  He only returned to the front about a month ago.  Mr. and Mrs. Sharpe have two other sons serving, one in Salonika, and one other recovering from wounds in a convalescent home at Shoreham.

Pte. Joseph Allen, Northants Regiment, husband of Mrs. Allen of 82 Portland-road, Rushden, was wounded on April 4th, receiving an injury under the right arm-pit and another slight one in the back. For some little time he was in the U.S.A. (St. Louis) General Hospital, Rouen, but last Tuesday he arrived in London.

Mr. Vawser Meadows, of 22, Irchester-road, Rushden, has received a letter from A.B. John Deighton Parker, of the Royal Naval Division, and formerly of 14, Gordon-road, Rushden, stating that he has been wounded, and is now in Fort Pitt Hospital, Chatham.  Writing under date April 1^st, the seaman says: “It seems a treat to me to be back in Blighty again.  I sent you a card to tell you that I was hit.  It was on the 25^th, and it was a machine gun bullet that caught me, but, thank God, I am going on all right.  What do you think of the news in the papers now?  I can tell you that old Fritz must have lost a lot of men by what I saw of it.”  A.B. J. D. Parker, who joined up on September 4^th, 1917, had been in France about eleven weeks when he received his wounds.  Before joining the Colours he was employed at Messrs. James Hyde, Ltd.

Wireless Operator Cecil N. Clark, R.E., son of Mr. and Mrs. John Clark, High-street, and formerly at the Rushden Post Office, is attached to the 58th Division, which has been in the thick of the fighting during the last nine days. For six days they were fighting without cessation. Writing home on April 13th, he says: “We have had great times since last Tuesday. Our Lancashire lads have made a glorious name for themselves. I am glad to say I am safe and well. Of course, we all have had an anxious time of it. Things are quiet again now, and we are getting back to the old routine once more. Our lads gave Fritz a hell of a time, and he has not gained an inch of ground on the sector where we were. Our division has had scores of telegrams congratulating all ranks on the splendid work they have done during the last few days, and the wireless section has also been praised for their work. Hence, at the present time we are proud wearers of the Red Rose of Lancashire. Don’t worry too much, as I think the worst is over.”

Rushden Victims of the War
Wireless-Operator E B Bailey, R.F.C., son of Inspector Bailey, formerly of Rushden, is suffering from shell wounds in the left hip and in both feet.

Pte. S E Bull, of 41 Crabb-street, Rushden, who is suffering from gunshot wounds in the left thigh and sides, joined up when 16½years of age, and had served 145 days when his parents secured his discharge. He was called up when 18 and went to France when 19. He previously worked for the Midland Railway Company at Wellingborough.

Rushden's Casualty List
Official news has been received by Mrs. Lambert, of 34, Irchester-road, Rushden, that her husband, A.B. Jim Lambert, of the Royal Naval Division, has been missing from his unit since March 24th. Seaman Lambert, who is a native of Higham Ferrers, had resided in Rushden for five years up to the time enlistment, and was employed by Messrs. Wm. Claridge and Sons, boot manufacturers, Rushden. He went to France on December 18th, last year. A relative of his in a letter to the missing seaman's wife writes under date April 9th: "We were inspected by General Parsons yesterday, and when we were massed together, he told us that he had received a report to the effect that the "Anson and Hood Battalions" of the R.N.D. were mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig's dispatches for courage and heroism, for when an Army regiment gave way against the pressure of the Germans who surrounded a large battery of Artillery, the two battalions mentioned made a diagonal attack (one of the most difficult attacks in warfare), and not only saved the situation and the battery, but held the line (at what cost)." A.B.'s Lambert, S. Langham, W. Hanger, and A. George, of Irchester, all of whom are reported missing, belonged to one of the battalions above mentioned.

Rushden Echo, 26^th April 1918, transcribed by Kay Collins

Casualty List - Pte. F. Toby, Cheshire Regiment, son of Mrs. G. Toby, of 11 Oswald-road, Rushden, was wounded in both arms and legs during the great German offensive on March 23^rd. He is now in the Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, and when his mother paid him a visit last week, we are pleased to say she found him progressing favourably.

Rushden's Casualty List
Mrs. Langham, of 13, York-road, Rushden, has now received official news that her husband, O.S. Stephen Langham, R.N.D., is missing. Mr. Langham is well-known locally as an accomplished phrenologist and instructor in physical culture, and has lectured many times in Rushden and the neighbourhood on physical and mental culture.

Rushden's Casualty List
Pte. George Sail, of Crabb-street, Rushden who, as reported in last week's "Rushden Echo," has been wounded, in the course of a letter-to his wife says: "Just a few more lines to let you know I am getting on nicely. The sister told me that the doctor said I shall come to Blighty in a few more days, when I am a little better; my head is feeling better to-day. I have got all my hair off on front, but I do not mind that as long as I have got my life. I am writing this while on my back, as I cannot sit up." Pte. Sail has now arrived at the 1st London General Hospital, Camberwell.

Rushden's Casualty List
Mrs. E. Richardson, of 41, Harborough-road, Rushden, has received official news that her husband, R/6090 A.B. John Thomas Richardson, Royal Naval Division, has been missing from his unit since March 24th. Seaman Richardson, whose name is on the Roll of Honour of the Park-road Baptist Church, joined the Colours in August last year, and went to France at the end of December last. Up to joining the forces he was employed at the C.W.S. Boot Works, Rushden. Mrs. Richardson will be grateful to any of her husband's comrades who can send her any further news concerning him.

Rushden's Casualty List
Pte. F. Toby, Cheshire Regiment, son of Mrs. G. Toby, of 11, Oswald-road, Rushden, was wounded in both arms and legs during the great German offensive on March 23rd. He is now in the Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, and when his mother paid him a visit last week, we are pleased to say she found him progressing favourably.

Rushden Casualty List
Mrs S Judd, formerly of Rushden, now of High-street Place, Wellingborough, has received news that her eldest son, Pte Alfred Judd, M.G.C. is missing. In August 1916, he was wounded at the Battle of the Somme and returned to France in the spring of 1917.

Pte. A Forknall

Pte. A Forknall, R.A.M.C., whose wife resided in Albion-place, Rushden, is in hospital in Scotland, suffering from trench fever. He is nearing convalescence, but is still very weak. Just before Christmas he was sent to Italy, but was subsequently transferred to France, where he contracted the illness.

Mrs King, of 29 King’s-road, Rushden, has received official news that her son, Pte. Sydney King, 49026 Northants Regiment, was posted as missing on March 23rd.

Mr and Mrs S Ashford, of 15 Wellingborough-road, Rushden, have received news that their son, Pte. Richard Samuel Ashford, Northants Regiment, is missing. He was 20 years of age. Before joining the Colours he worked for the firm of Ashford & Campion (of which his brother is one of the principals), and subsequently he was in the employ of Messrs Crick and Patenall. He was sent out to France in February last year, and it is announced that he has been missing since March 25th.

The Rushden Echo, 3^rd May, 1918, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Rushden Victims Of The War - Long List This Week
  Three weeks ago we published an unofficial report that 13132, Pte. Herbert Frederick Freeman, Northants Regiment, husband of Mrs. Freeman, of 65, Little-street, Rushden, was missing from his unit.  Mrs. Freeman received official confirmation of the report yesterday morning, the news stating that he has been absent from his regiment since March 23^rd.  Mrs. Freeman will be grateful for any news any her husband’s comrades can send her.

  Pte. William Craddock, M.G.C., of 8, Beaconsfield-place, Rushden (son-in-law of Mr. G. A. White, of Beaconsfield-place), has been wounded in the leg and arm.  He is in hospital in France, and is going on satisfactorily.

  Mr. and Mrs. J. Rogers, of 46, Irchester-road, Rushden, received official news on Wednesday that their youngest son, 300642, Pte. James Rogers, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, has been missing since March 21^st.  Pte. Rogers joined the Colours on November 9^th, 1914, and went to France on May 1^st the following year.  Although he has seen practically three years of fighting on the western front, he had come through unscathed up to the date on which he was reported missing.  Pte. Rogers served four years apprenticeship to the gentlemen’s outfitting trade with Mr. C. H. Blunsom at Rushden, and after remaining a further twelve months with his first employer he accepted a situation in the same business at Sydenham, where he remained up to the time of enlistment.

  Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Willmott, of 57, Harborough-road, Rushden, have received a letter from their son, Gunner Herbert Harry Willmott, of the R.G.A., stating that he is in hospital at Leeds suffering from a bad wound in the right leg.  He was home on furlough last Christmas, and had done about twelve months’ service in France.  Up to the time of joining up he was employed by Mr. Jaques, boot manufacturer, Harborough-road, Rushden.

  Mrs. S. Judd, formerly of Rushden, now of High-street Place, Wellingborough, has received news that her eldest son, Pte. Alfred Judd, M.G.C., is missing.  In August, 1916, he was wounded at the Battle of the Somme, and returned to France in the spring of 1917.

  Corpl. Walter Stokes, R.E., son of Mrs. Stokes, 11, Highfield-road, Irthlingborough, accidentally fractured his left leg whilst with the B.E.F. in France, and is now in hospital at Glasgow.  Corpl. Stokes, who is 35 years of age, enlisted on March 29^th, 1916, and went to France on July 8^th, 1916.  Previous to enlisting, he was in the employ of the India and China Tea Co., and was in charge of the Rushden branch.  He was a member of the Rushden Adult School Male Voice choir.  He has been serving at the front as a dispatch rider.

  Pte. A. Forknall, R.A.M.C., whose wife resides in Albion-place, Rushden, is in hospital in Scotland, suffering from trench fever.  He is nearing convalescence, but is still very weak.  Just before Christmas he was sent to Italy, but was subsequently transferred to France, where he contracted the illness.

  Inspector W. J. Bailey, Northants Constabulary, of Daventry, formerly of Rushden, has received official news that his son, Wireless-Operator Ernest Bailey, R.F.C., has died of wounds in Lincoln Hospital.  Deceased was a chorister at St. Peter’s Church, Rushden, and was also assistant organist.

Rushden Echo, 10^th May, 1918, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Rushden’s Casualty List
  Mrs. H. Clayton, of 17, South-terrace, Rushden, has received official news that her husband, Pte. Horace Clayton, Northants Regiment, has been missing since March 25^th.  He is a cousin of Corpl. W. C. Clayton, who is reported in this column as wounded.  Pte. Horace Clayton was mobilised as a reservist immediately on the outbreak of war, and fought right throughout the retreat from Mons and holds the Mons ribbon.  He has been four times wounded, and was home for a month’s leave last February, returning to France on March 4^th last.  Up to the time of mobilisation he was in the employ of Messrs. P. Collins and Co., heel manufacturers, of Rushden.  His wife will be grateful for any additional information any of her husband’s comrades can send her.

  Rifleman Harold Timpson, -----Batt., Rifle Brigade is reported missing from his unit since March 23^rd-30^th.  Mrs. Timpson, 3, Moor-road, Rushden, would be thankful to hear from any of her son’s comrades who can give further information.  Rifleman Timpson, who is 20 years of age, enlisted in the autumn of 1916, before which he worked for Messrs. Alfred Sargent and Sons, Portland-road, Rushden.  The last letter Mrs. Timpson received from her son was dated March 19^th.

  Pte. J. H. Haynes, 202749, York and Lancs. Regiment, was admitted to the 5^th General Hospital, Rouen, on April 23^rd, suffering from severe gunshot wound in the hip.  Official news to this effect has been received by Mrs. M. A. Haynes, of 5, Bedford-road, Rushden.

  Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Clayton, of the Old Farm House, Little-street, Rushden, have received official news that their son, 55106, Corpl. W. C. Clayton, North Staffordshire Regiment, has been admitted into the 12^th (St. Louis, U.S.A.) General Hospital, Rouen, suffering from severe wounds in the right shoulder and buttock.  Corpl. Clayton, who is 20 years of age, joined the Colours on October 24^th 1916, and went to France last Easter.  His name, with those of two brothers, viz., Pte. Ralph Edwin Clayton, A.V.C., and Trooper J. W. Page, Yeomanry, both of whom are in Italy, is on the Park-road Baptist Roll of Honour, all having passed through the Sunday school of that place of worship.  News has just been received that Trooper Page is in hospital in Italy, having gone stone deaf.

Military Medalist Killed—Lance-Corpl. Fred Rayner, who for nearly six years was assistant to Mr. C. H. Knight, hairdresser and tobacconist, of Rushden, has been killed in action. Deceased, who resided in the house with Mr. and Mrs. Knight, and who was highly respected by them and by the customers frequenting the saloon, left Rushden about two years ago to join the Colours. The “Bury Free Press” of May 11th has the following:- “In our issue of the first week in December last, it was our painful duty to record the death, after being severely wounded, of Pte. (Lance-Corpl.) Fred Rayner, of the 6th Buffs, East Kent Regiment, youngest son of Mrs. Rayner, of The Auction Mart, Bury.

Rushden’s Casualty List
  Mrs. J. H. Nunley, of 13, The Orchard, Rushden, has received official news that her brother, 65718, Pte. Albert Dicks, of the R.A.M.C., was wounded on April 20^th, receiving a slight gunshot wound in the arm.  He is now in hospital at Cambridge and making good progress.  Pte. Dicks, who prior to enlistment was employed by Mr. Arthur Smith, hairdresser, Rushden, joined the Colours on September 13^th, 1915, and has been in France about 2½ years.

Rushden’s Casualty List
Mr. and Mrs. Sanders Leeding, of 27, Wentworth-road, Rushden, this (Friday) morning received a postcard from their youngest son, Pte. Albert Ewart Leeding, London Regiment, stating that he is wounded in the leg and has arrived in England.

Pte. A. Curtis, of Rushden, who is in the Mosley-road Military Hospital, Fallowfield, Manchester, in a letter to Mrs. L. Perkins, of Newton-road, Rushden, says: “I am now in hospital with gunshot wound through the jaw.  It was March 22^nd when I received the wound, and I shall never forget it.  I was in the front line with my gun team, and we were in the thick of it when our ammunition began to get short.  Our officer asked for four volunteers to go to a dump.  I was one of the volunteers.  The Germans were putting over a heavy barrage of shells and machine-gun fire.  It was then 5 a.m., and when we got to the dump, which was three miles from our line, the officer in charge of the dump was much surprised to see we had not been hit.  While I was away the Germans came over and took our trench, and I was lucky in being away.  I then got with an Irish regiment, and we took our stand on a railway bank.  The Germans were only 70 yards off us, and I should think he had got machine guns to every ten men.  I had not been there long before I got buried by a heavy shell, which knocked out three men.  I was stunned for a few minutes, but I came round all right.  Men were dropping round me on either side, and I expected every minute would be my last.  It was like being in hell.  All the time the Huns were advancing, and our men kept falling back.  There were six different regiments on the railway bank, and most of the officers were gone under.  It was about 10 a.m., and I had not had much breakfast, when I got shot through the jaw.  I rolled down the bank about six yards.  My field dressing having been put on, an officer asked me if I could walk, and told me to get to a dressing station as quickly as I could, as I was losing a lot of blood.  I got to one dressing station, but it was full up; the Germans were shelling as bad as ever, and I expected I should be blown up.  I met three men who were going to find a dressing station.  I had then walked about six miles.  I walked about another four miles and came to the cross roads.  Here we came to a Red Cross car, which took us to a casualty clearing station.  I felt just about done for when I got there, I was so fatigued.  I was not there very long before they had orders to all clear out as the Germans were advancing very fast.  I was taken to another hospital, and was there for two days, and then got marked for Blighty.  I landed at Dover on March 26^th, and am going on fine.  They say I am very lucky having a bullet go through my jaw and not having a fracture.”

Wounded
PTE HAROLD GLIDLE, M.G.C., son of the late Mr Eli Glidle and Mrs. Glidle, of 61, Little-street, Rushden, is in hospital, wounded in the right thigh. He was home eight weeks ago recovering from previous wounds in the shoulder. Pte. Glidle is 20 years of age.

The Rushden Echo, 7^th June, 1918, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Rushden’s Casualty List - Mr. and Mrs. Harry Groome, of 4, Robinson-road, Rushden, have received official news that their eldest son R/6321, Able-Seaman Harry Reginald Groome, of the Royal Naval Division, has been admitted to the 12^th General Hospital, Rouen, suffering from slight shrapnel wounds in the right buttock.  In a letter to his parents A.B. Groome says that he is progressing satisfactorily.  He joined the Colours on September 11^th last year, and although but 18 years of age, proceeded to the Western front on Friday in Easter week this year.  He was formerly employed by Mr. Fred Knight, boot manufacturer, Rushden.

  Pte. Joseph Allen, Northants Regiment, (husband of Mrs. Allen, of 82, Portland-road, Rushden), who has been in the 1^st London General Hospital, Camberwell, suffering from wounds under the right arm-pit and in the back, has now been transferred to the Auxiliary Hospital at Higham Ferrers.

  Mr. Walter G. F. Kingston, formerly Sanitary Inspector of Rushden, who is now in the Army, has been wounded in the leg, and is in hospital in England.

Serious Wounds
Lance-Corpl. Percy M. Austin, Northants Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. Austin, of 16 Cromwell-road, Rushden, who, as reported previously in the “Rushden Echo,” was seriously injured in the first German push, is now in hospital in London, he is, we regret to say, permanently blinded in both eyes, though in other respects he is making good progress. He is very cheerful, and sometimes entertains the other patients at the hospital with his singing.
Marriage 1918 to Miss Darlow

Wounded
Signaller Albert Smith, Northants Regiment, of Spencer-road, Rushden, who is in the Bagthorpe Military Hospital, Nottingham, writes: “My battalion went over the top at Villers-Brettoneux. We had fought our way to the outskirts of the village when I got a machine bullet through the leg and somehow managed to get my left side twisted. It was a bit rough just as we had got Fritz on the run, but still, I am in Blighty again, so I ought to consider myself lucky. I read in the paper that the boys took the village during the night—that is another one to the Northamptons.”

Missing - Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Hodge, of Lower-street, Kettering, have received official news that their younger son, Pte. Ray Hodge, Northants Regiment, has been missing since May 27th. Before joining the Colours, Pte. Hodge was in charge of the Rushden branch of the business.

The Rushden Echo, 14^th June, 1918, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Rushden’s Casualty List - Mr. and Mrs. J. Line, of 2, Blinco-road, Rushden, received official news on Tuesday that their son 13904, Lance-Corpl. William Line, Northants Regiment, is in the 10^th General Hospital, Rouen, suffering from a severe gunshot wound in the shoulders.  Lance-Corpl. Line, who joined up on the outbreak of war, has been in France about 3½ years, and has been wounded altogether about six times.  Up to the time of joining the Colours he worked for Messrs. Robinson, boot manufacturers, Gordon-road, Rushden.  Mr. and Mrs. Line have another son, viz., Pte. B. J. Line, of the Northants Regiment, who has just left hospital after having been suffering from the effects of gas and trench fever, and yet another, A.B. E. R. Line, R.N.D., is serving his country in France.

  Mr. and Mrs. J. Peacock, of 4, Roberts-street, Rushden, have received a letter from their son, Pte. Cecil Peacock, Northants Regiment, to say that he was recently admitted to hospital in France, suffering from an abscess in the left groin, which necessitated an operation.  He has now arrived in England and entered hospital at Sheffield on June 2^nd, where he is making satisfactory progress.  Pte. Peacock has served over three years with the Colours, and although he has been in France for the greater part of that time this is the first time he has been in hospital.  Up to the time of enlistment he was employed at the C.W.S. Boot Works, Rushden.  In a letter to his parents Pte. Peacock says: “It is lovely to be in dear old Blighty again, and also to sleep in a nice bed.  Fancy, I am away from the noise of it all again.  I never thought I should reach here, as I was in hospital at Etaples and he bombed us out of there, but I don’t mind his bombing raids; it is his gas and bombardment which are the worst.”

  Mrs. W. Chettle, of 49, Cromwell-road, Rushden, has received a postcard from her son, 203445, Pte. W. Chettle (Duke of Wellington Regiment), who has been missing since April 10^th, stating that he is a prisoner of war in Germany and sound.  This is the second son of Mrs. Chettle who is a prisoner of war, one other – Pte. Herbert Chettle, of the Northants Regiment – having been wounded and taken prisoner on July 10^th, 1917, at the Battle of the Dunes.  Mrs. Chettle heard from him a fortnight ago, when he said that he was quite well and was being well treated.  He added that he was going to have his photograph taken and would send his mother one.  Yet another son is serving with the Colours, viz., Gunner Fredk. Chettle, who went to France last Sunday.

  Mr. and Mrs. Albert W. Taylor, of 49, Sartoris-road, Rushden, Northants, will be glad of any definite information concerning their son, 25264, Pte. Percy Taylor, of the Royal West Surrey Regiment, about whom they have received official news that he has been missing since April 13^th.  The last letter they received from him was dated April 9^th.  Pte. Taylor joined His Majesty’s Forces in October, 1916, and went to France in November last year.  He was formerly employed at the C.W.S. Boot Works, Rushden.  Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have lost two other sons in the war, viz., the late Pte. Harold Taylor (Northants Regiment), who was killed on August 5^th, 1917, and the late Gunner Walter Charles Taylor, R.F.A., who was killed in action in September last year.  One other son, Gunner William Taylor, R.F.A., is in hospital at Stoke-on-Trent, suffering severely from trench fever.

Rushden’s Casualty List - Private Jack Britchford
Mrs T. Burfield, of 141, Queen-street, Rushden, received official news on Tuesday that her brother, Pte. Jack Britchford, Northants Regiment, was killed in action on June 8th. The deceased soldier was 36 years of age and had been in France three years, having joined the Colours in October, 1914. He had been three times wounded, two wounds having been sustained this year. Mrs Burfield has four other brothers serving with the Colours, one (Pte. George Britchford) having been a prisoner of war since last March. Her son, Pte. Edgar Burfield, is also serving his country.

Rushden’s Casualty List
Pte. Frank Smith, of the Tank Corps, son of Mr and Mrs H. Smith, of 133, Cromwell-road, Rushden, has written to his parents stating that he has met with a nasty accident whilst on duty in France and is now in hospital at Bradford, Yorks.  He writes under date June 16th: “I expect you are wondering what really is the matter with my foot.  Well, I had a gun that we use in the Tanks fall on my foot and a piece of steel went right through my boot and foot as well, and the gun weighed 6 cwt., so you can tell what it is like dropping on anybody’s foot; there are several small bones broken, and they are taking pieces out every day.”  Pte. Smith, who joined the Colours three years last March, has once previously been wounded, viz., on July 23rd, 1916, and he was “buried” on January 11 the same year.  He was in England twelve months as a result of his wound and returned to France in June last year.  On February 7th this year he came to Blighty again to undergo a course of training for the Tank Corps, and returned to the Western front on May 17th last.  Mr and Mrs Smith have two other sons serving with the Colours, viz., Corpl. Ewart Smith, of the Northants Regiment, and Pte. E. G. Smith, also of the county regiment, who are together in France.

Corpl. Leonard W. Sargent, Northants Regiment, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Sargent, of Homeleigh, Rushden, has been gassed, and is suffering from trench fver. He is now in Ward E3, War Hospital, Bradford. Corpl. Sargent went to France early in this year. He is 20 years of age, and previous to enlisting was a clerk at Messrs. Radburn and Bennett’s curriers, Rushden. He is now making good progress.

Casulaty List - Mr. and Mrs. Charles Driver, of 11 Roberts-street, Rushden, received news on Saturday that their son, Pte. G. W. Driver, 40832, A Company, 3rd Platoon, - Norfolk regiment, has been wounded. The following letter was received from the Captain: “I am most sorry to have to inform you that your son, Pte. G. W. Driver, of my Company, was wounded early this morning. The doctor says he will get to England all right, so I hope that this good news will help to alleviate any undue anxiety. I shall be very glad to hear how he gets on.” Pte. Driver spent twelve months in France, and was then sent to Italy, being subsequently transferred again to the Western front.