Pte. G. W. Driver, Norfolk Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Driver, who, as reported in our last issue, has been wounded, has now been sent to Lincoln Hospital.

Lieut. A. D. Denton was one of the batsmen in the cricket match Northants Gentlemen v. Wellingborough School, played at Wellingborough on Saturday, the officer playing for the former. In spite of his physical disabilities engendered by the war, Lieut. Denton batted well until he mistimed a slow one from Fryer.

Rushden Casualties
Pte. Herbert Allen, Northants Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Allen of 19 Grove-road, Rushden, has written a card to his parents stating that he is a prisoner of war in Germany and quite well. He was previously reported missing.

Mrs. Taylor, of 99, Cromwell-road, Rushden, has received news from her brother, Pte. J. Clark, Royal Sussex Regiment, to the effect that he is a prisoner of war in Germany. The soldier was previously reported missing.

Rushden Echo, 16^th August, 1918

Casualty List - About five weeks ago we reported that Pte. Eric Smith, of the “Buffs,” son of Mr. and Mrs. Enos Smith, of 163 Wellingborough-road, Rushden, had been wounded in the left arm and was in hospital in France.  It appears that he was struck in the muscle, the guides being severed and the elbow injured.  We are now sorry to report that it has been found necessary to amputate the injured arm, and for some days past Pte. Smith has been in a serious condition, but his parents’ anxiety has now been somewhat relieved by the receipt of a letter from the matron of the hospital, who writes that his condition is improving, and that if the progress continues he will soon be off the danger list and marked for England.  Pte. Smith joined the colours in October, 1917, and went to France in April last.  He is but 18 years of age.  Prior to enlistment he was a pupil teacher at the Rushden National Schools, whilst still undergoing training for a scholastic career at Northampton Grammar School.

  Pte. James Albert Underwood, Machine Gun Corps, formerly of the Northants Regiment, whose home is No. 40, Oakely-road, Rushden, has been wounded, and is in hospital in Cardiff, South Wales.  The wounds, which were sustained on July 28, are in the thigh.  Two of the wounds are going on nicely, but another wound is still rather painful.  The patient is improving, but at present rather slowly.  Pte. Underwood, who is 32 years of age, joined the Colours on July 19^th last year, prior to which he worked for Messrs. John Cave & Sons, Limited, boot manufacturers, Rushden.

Second-Lieut. Reginald Twelvetree, Royal Warwick Regiment, son of Mrs. Waite, of 42, North-street, Rushden, was seriously wounded on August 12^th.  He enlisted as a private in 1914, and went to France in the latter end of 1915.  He was formerly employed at the Higham Ferrers Co-operative Boot Productive Society.  Lieut. Twelvetree, who has now been brought to England, was given a commission in recognition of his soldierly qualities.

Pte. A. W. Bradshaw, who formerly worked for the late Ald. G. Miller, J.P., of Rushden, and who enlisted in December, 1916, has been wounded.  Mrs. Bradshaw, North-street, Rushden, on August 4^th, had a telegram from the War Office stating the soldier was dangerously wounded.  On August 15^th, they received the following note from Capt. Wilson, now at the 10^th Canadian Hospital, France:  “Just to say that your son is here with a slight wound, and that there’s no occasion to worry.  While here he is among friends, who will do all they possibly can for his health and happiness.  He himself will write soon.  He and I are asking you to join with us in daily prayer.  With all good wishes in all things.”  The second post the same day brought the following note from 39^th Stationary Hospital:  “In reply to your telegram I regret to have to inform you that your son, 30607 E. Bradshaw, died this morning.”  The family cabled to Capt. Wilson, and received the following satisfactory reply: “Doing well.  Blighty soon. – Wilson.”

Rushden Echo, 30^th August 1918, transcribed by Kay Collins

Casualty—Mrs. A. Robinson, who resides with her mother, Mrs. Lambert, at 13 Grove-street, Higham Ferrers, yesterday received news from her husband, A.B. A. Robinson, of the R.N.D., that he has been wounded and admitted to hospital. A.B. Robinson, who is a Rushden man, joined the Colours twelve months ago, and has been on the Western front about nine months. He was gassed in March last and was sent to England for a month or two, returning to France about six weeks ago. He was formerly employed by Messrs. Green and Coe, boot manufacturers, Rushden.

Pte. W. Baker, of the Royal Irish Regiment, youngest son of Mrs. R. Baker, of 32, Winchester-road, Rushden, is in Birmingham Hospital, suffering from shrapnel wounds in the left leg sustained on August 22^nd.  This is the second time Pte. Baker has been wounded, and he has been in France altogether a year and eight months.  He is making satisfactory progress.

Lance-Corpl. H. Plummer, of the Suffolk Regiment, husband of Mrs. Plummer, of 5, Elm-street, Rushden Hill, has been wounded in the wrist.  Prior to joining the Forces – in July, 1916 – he worked for Messrs. John Cave and Sons, Ltd., boot manufacturers, and he has been on the Western front for nearly two years.  He has once before been home, suffering from wounds and trench feet.  He is the son of Mrs. Plummer, of North-street, Rushden.

The Rushden Echo, 6^th September, 1918

Able-Seaman Joseph Charles Henry Harrison, R/908, Royal Naval Division, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Harrison, of Carnegie-street, Rushden, was wounded in action in France on August 24^th, and the next day was admitted to the 2^nd Canadian General Hospital, Le Treport, on August 25^th.  On Saturday last he arrived in England, and he is now in the 3^rd Southern General Hospital, Oxford.  He is suffering from wounds in the right foot and toes, the injuries being caused by machine-gun bullets fired from a German aeroplane.  A.B. Harrison, who was 19 years of age last April, was called up at the age of 18, prior to which he worked for his father, a builder.  He went to France on Easter Monday this year.  In the course of a letter home he says he had 19 hours on the hospital train in France and then 25 hours on the boat, so that he was very thankful to arrive in Blighty.  He adds that his foot is now going on very nicely.

The many friends of Signaller Frank Cecil Heygate, of the London Regiment, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Heygate, of the Union Bank House, Rushden, will learn with regret that he received a bullet wound in the right wrist on Saturday last and that he is now in hospital at Nottingham.  Signaller Heygate, who is 19 years of age, joined the Colours nearly two years ago, and has been on the Western front about five months.  Prior to joining the Colours he was a bank clerk in the Thrapston branch of the Northamptonshire Union Bank.

  Mrs. C. Berridge, 119, High-street South, Rushden, has recently received news that her husband, Signaller C. Berridge, Royal Naval Division, has returned to England.  After nine months’ arduous experiences in the trenches, his health has failed, and he is now undergoing treatment in a Sheffield hospital.  Some years ago Signaller Berridge left Rushden and resided in Yorkshire, taking up a business there; he joined the Colours in April, 1917.  He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Berridge, of 48, Station Road, Rushden.  Another son, Pte. J. W. Berridge, is home on sick leave, after being wounded in action some time ago whilst serving with the New Zealanders.  Several years ago, Pte. Berridge sailed to New Zealand, where he took up a boot business in one of the North Island towns, and was making a promising success of it when he joined up to fight for his country.

Mrs. W. Bryant, of 51, Spencer-road, Rushden, has received a report from a soldier who is home on leave that her son, R/4093, A.B. Walter Bryant, R.N.D., has been wounded in the face and taken prisoner.  She has received no confirmation of this news from any other source, but as she has not heard from her boy for a fortnight she is naturally in much anxiety of mind, and will be grateful to any of her son’s comrades who can send her any definite news concerning him.  He is 19 years of age and joined the Colours in May, 1917, having been in France five months.

  From the same source Mrs. W. Dudley has heard that her son, 71557, Pte. Ralph Dudley, Royal Fusiliers, has been wounded and sent down the line.  It is three weeks since she heard from her son, and consequently she is anxious for more definite news concerning his welfare, and will be grateful for any further information.  Pte. Dudley who is 19 years of age, joined the army in March, 1917, and has been in France six months.  Mrs. Dudley has another son, viz., Pte. Donald Dudley, Northants Regiment, who has been missing since March 23^rd this year, and yet another son serving his country, viz., Rifleman F. Dudley, Reserve Battalion, who is undergoing training at Falmouth.

  Mrs. G. W. Bates, of 13, Gold-street, Wellingborough, has received news that her husband, Sergt. George Wm. Bates, of the Royal Air Force, and son of Mr. Matthew Bates, Court Estate, Rushden, is seriously ill and in hospital in France.  Sergt. Bates is well known in Rushden, as up to the time of joining the Colours in October, 1914, he was proprietor of a motor and cycle depot in Church-street, Rushden.  He has served three years and seven months on the Western front.  His many friends will wish him a speedy recovery.

  Sergt. Charles Ette, Royal Air Force, son of Mr. C. Ette, of Newton-road, Rushden, while starting a machine accidentally had his right hand stuck, a bone being fractured.  He has now practically recovered from the injury.

  Gunner G. Jefferies, R.G.A., formerly of Midland-road, Rushden, husband of Mrs. Jefferies, of 14, Semilong-place, Northampton, was wounded in the left side with an air bomb on August 11^th.

Rushden’s Casualty List - Victims of the War
Lieut. Edward Raymond Clayton, R.A.F., son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Clayton, of 143 Wellingborough-road, Rushden, met with an accident on August 26th, which, we regret to report, has endangered the sight of his left eye. Lieut. Clayton, with a comrade, was passing by the officers’ mess at Shawbury, Salop, when somebody inside accidentally broke a window, and Lieut. Clayton received a splinter of glass in his eye, and his comrade sustained at the same time a nasty cut on the nose. The person who broke the window had his wrist badly cut and the injuries of all three participants in the accident were attended to at Priest Heath Military Hospital. The sight of Lieut. Clayton’s eye has been considerably endangered by the accident, but the doctor has hopes of saving it, although it is feared that his vision will remain somewhat impaired. Lieut. Clayton, who was formerly in the employ of British United Shoe machinery Company, joined the Royal Flying Corps three years ago as a mechanic, and went to France on September 1st 1917, and on April 11th this year he obtained his brevet, after nine months thrilling experiences as pilot of a bombing machine on the Western front, during which time he had many hairsbreadth escapes. On one occasion a bullet passed through his boot without touching the foot. About three months ago was home on a month’s leave, following which he proceeded to Shawbury as instructor in the art of aviation. The officer, as a lad, was for some years a member of the Rushden Church Lads’ Brigade.

A fortnight ago we reported that Pte. Walter Baker, Royal Irish Regt., youngest son of Mrs. R. Baker, of 32 Winchester-road, Rushden, was in hospital in Birmingham, suffering from shrapnel wounds in the left leg sustained on August 22nd. As previously reported in our columns, Pte. Baker had once before been wounded in the leg, and as this limb had occasionally caused him inconvenience during the last time out he asked the doctors at the hospital of which he is at present an inmate to make an examination. The X-rays have revealed the cause of the trouble, viz., a machine gun bullet which has thus been embedded in the muscles for twelve months.

Pte. Harry Joyce, Northants Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Joyce, of 1 Sartoris-road, who was wounded in March last, has again been wounded, and is now in hospital in Birmingham. Pte. Joyce, a former member of the Rushden Church Lads’ Brigade, aged 20, enlisted when he was only 16 years of age, and was sent to France after a few months’ training. Mr. and Mrs. Joyce had a son, Sergt. J. E. Joyce, East Yorkshire Regt., killed in March 1915, and another son, Pte. Charles Joyce, of the Canadians, is serving in Canada. In a letter home, dated September 9th, Pte. Harry Joyce says: “Just a few lines to let you know I have been wounded, and am once again in England. I was wounded on September 3rd in the calf of the left leg. It is going on very nicely.”

News was received last week that Pte. E. Berridge, 85849 King’s Liverpool Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Berridge, 48 Station-road, Rushden, was wounded on September 1st in the head, face, and right arm by the bursting of a shell whilst holding a German trench. He was brought to England on September 4th, and is now in hospital at Cosham, Hants. Pte. E. Berridge had only been in France again about a month after being in England 4 months with trench fever. He joined up about three years ago.

Mr. and Mrs. F. Glenn, of 136, Wellingborough-road, Rushden, have received a letter from their son, Lance-Corpl. Victor Glenn, of the Machine Gun Corps, stating that he is in No. 1 Grange War Hospital at Deal, suffering from wounds in the left leg.  He states that he was wounded during the fighting around Kemmel, being hit by a bullet from a machine gun.  The bullet fortunately went right through his leg without striking a bone.  Lance-Corpl. Glenn, who is 21 years of age, has now been twice wounded, and on July 21^st whilst fighting with the French at Chateau Thierry and Soissons he was awarded the Croix de Guerre with extra bar for bravery on the field.  He enlisted under age a month before the outbreak of war, and after 18 months training was sent to the Western front, being wounded in December, 1915, following which he was in Leicester base hospital for a considerable time.  Altogether he was in Blighty about 15 months, returning to France in March this year.  Before joining the Colours he was employed by Messrs. Skeeles and Sons, boot manufacturers, Rushden, and as a lad passed through the Rushden Wesleyan Reform Mission Sunday school.

Lieut. Edward Raymond Clayton, R.A.F., son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Clayton, of 143, Wellingborough-road, Rushden, met with an accident on August 26^th, which, we regret to report, has endangered the sight of his left eye.  Lieut. Clayton, with a comrade, was passing by the officers’ mess at Shawbury, Salop, when somebody inside accidentally broke a window, and Lieut. Clayton received a splinter of glass in his eye, and his comrade sustained at the same time a nasty cut on the nose.  The person who broke the window had his wrist badly cut and the injuries of all three participants in the accident were attended to at Priest Heath Military Hospital.  The sight of Lieut. Clayton’s eye has been considerably endangered by the accident, but the doctor has hopes of saving it, although it is feared that his vision will remain somewhat impaired.  Lieut. Clayton, who was formerly in the employ of the British United Shoe Machinery Company, joined the Royal Flying Corps three years ago as a mechanic, and went to France on September 1^st, 1917.  On April 11^th this year he obtained his brevet, after nine months thrilling experiences as pilot of a bombing machine on the Western front, during which time he had many hairsbreadth escapes.  On one occasion a bullet passed through his boot without touching the foot.  About three months ago Lieut. Clayton was home on a month’s leave, following which he proceeded to Shawbury as instructor in the art of aviation.  The officer, as a lad, was for some years a member of the Rushden Church Lads’ Brigade.

Mr. and Mrs. G. T. Allen, of 96, Queen-street, Rushden, have received news that their youngest son, Rifleman J. E. Allen, King’s Royal Rifles, has been wounded in the face, arm, and legs by a bomb whilst on patrol at midnight.  Rifleman Allen joined the Colours a month after his 18^th birthday, and was on the Western front before he was 19.  He is a brother of Sergt. C. E. Allen, of the Beds. Regiment, who has just been repatriated from Germany.

A fortnight ago we reported that Pte. Walter Baker, Royal Irish Regiment, youngest son of Mrs. R. Baker, of 32, Winchester-road, Rushden, was in hospital in Birmingham, suffering from shrapnel wounds in the left leg sustained on August 22^nd.  As previously reported in our columns, Pte. Baker had once before been wounded in the leg, and as this limb had occasionally caused him inconvenience during his last time out he asked the doctors at the hospital of which he is at present an inmate to make an examination.  The X-rays have revealed the cause of the trouble, viz., a machine-gun bullet which has thus been embedded in the muscles for twelve months.

Pte. Harry Joyce, Northants Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Joyce, of 1, Sartoris-road, who was wounded in March last, has again been wounded, and is now in hospital in Birmingham.  Pte. Joyce, a former member of the Rushden Church Lads’ Brigade, aged 20, enlisted when he was only 16 years of age, and was sent to France after a few months’ training.  Mr. and Mrs. Joyce had a son, Sergt. J. E. Joyce, East Yorkshire Regiment, killed in March, 1915, and another son, Pte. Charles Joyce, of the Canadians, is serving in Canada.  In a letter home, dated September 9^th, Pte. Harry Joyce says: “Just a few lines to let you know I have been wounded, and am once again in England.  I was wounded on September 3^rd in the calf of the left leg.  It is going on very nicely.”

News was received last week that Pte. E. Berridge, 85849, King’s Liverpool Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Berridge, 48 Station-road, Rushden, was wounded on September 1^st in the head, face, and right arm by the bursting of a shell whilst holding a German trench.  He was brought to England on September 4^th, and is now in hospital at Cosham, Hants.  Pte. E. Berridge had only been in France again about a month after being in England four months with trench fever.  He joined up about three years ago.

A.B. William Burditt, R.N.D., son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Burditt, of High-street South, Rushden, was severely wounded in the right leg on September 2nd. Before joining the Colours Seaman Burditt, who is 19 years of age, worked for Messrs. W. Sargent and Co., Crabb-street. For five years he was a member of the 1st Rushden Troop of Boy Scouts, and he was one of those who guarded the telegraph lines on the Bedford-road after the outbreak of war. Mr. and Mrs. Burditt have one other son who is a prisoner of war, and a younger son joined the Colours a week or two ago on reaching the age of 18.

Mr. and Mrs. F. Caswell, of 135, Wellingborough-road, Rushden, have been officially informed that their son R/1453, A.B. Reginald George Caswell, of the Royal Naval Division, was wounded on August 25^th, and is now in hospital.  Up to Tuesday Mr. and Mrs. Caswell had received no letter from their son himself, and his whereabouts are therefore uncertain.  A.B. Caswell is 19 years of age, and joined the Colours about 18 months ago.  He proceeded to the Western front in March this year.  About six weeks ago he was in hospital for about one week.  Mr. and Mrs. Caswell have one other son serving his country, viz., Sapper Cecil Caswell, of the Royal Engineers, who is in France.

Rushden’s Casualty List
Mrs. S. Robinson, of 94 Portland-road, Rushden, has received official news that he husband, Leading Seaman Sidney Robinson, of the Royal Naval Division, was wounded on August 25th. An officer has written to Mrs. Robinson stating that her husband was wounded by shrapnel and was taken to a hospital, but the locality of the hospital is not mentioned, and so Mrs. Robinson has received no further information. Leading Seaman Robinson’s whereabouts are unknown. He joined the Colours last August, and went to France at the later end of last year.

Mrs. J. Willmott, of 25 Harborough-road, Rushden, has received news that her youngest son Arthur (Leicester Regiment) has been admitted to hospital at Colchester, but up to Monday no information has been received as to the nature of his illness or wounds. Pte. Willmott joined the Notts and Derby Regiment about two years ago, and was subsequently transferred to his present unit. He has twice before been wounded and has also suffered from dysentery and trench feet. Prior to enlistment he was employed by Mr. Ebenezer Wrighton, boot manufacturer, of Rushden.

Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Bates, of 107 High-street, Rushden, have been officially informed that their second son, Rifleman Jim Bates, of the Lewis Gun Section, Rifle Brigade, has been wounded and gassed by a gas shell, and is in the 13th General Hospital, Boulogne. The soldier himself, in a letter to his parents, states that for six days he was totally blind, but that he has regained his sight, although the shock has left him very weak, and he is suffering trouble in his throat from the effects of the gas. Rifleman Bates, who is 19 years of age, went to France on April 1st, this year, having joined the Colours twelve months previously. He formerly worked for Messrs. W. Sargent and Co., boot manufacturers, Crabb-street, Rushden, and was for many years a drummer in the 1st Rushden Troop of Boy Scouts. For the whole of the first winter of the war he was guarding the telegraph wires on the Bedford-road, Rushden, and during the air raids he was of great assistance to the Special Constabulary in calling them up.

Mrs. Wm. Frisby, of 71 Robinson-road, Rushden, has received a field-card from her husband, Sergt. Wm. Frisby, of the Grenadier Guards, stating that he has been wounded and admitted into hospital. Sergt. Frisby, who up to the time of enlistment, was employed by the C.W.S. Boot Works, Rushden, joined the Colours on November 16th 1916, and went out to the Western front twelve months later. He was a prominent member of Rushden Myrtle Lodge of the National United Order of Free Gardeners, and up to the time of joining the Colours, was capably discharging the duties of sick steward. He is the eldest son of Mr. W. J. Frisby, the secretary of the Rushden Lodge, N.U.O.F.G

Casualty List - Pte. Harry Joyce, Northants Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Joyce, 1 Sartoris-road, Rushden, who (as reported in the “Rushden Echo”) was wounded recently in France, has, it appears, had to undergo an operation. The muscle of the left leg was blown away and poisoning set in, so that an immediate operation became necessary, and this was carried out in France, before the patient’s removal to England.

Rushden’s Casualty List
Pte. Reginald Ernest James, 47240 Lancashire Fusiliers, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. T. James, of 54 Robinson-road, Rushden, is officially reported suffering from a gas shell wound, severe. For a time he was in the 12th St. Louis (U.S.A.) General Hospital, Rouen, but is now in a Convalescent Depot at Trouville. This is the second time Pte. James has been wounded, the first occasion being on February 3rd this year, but he was not sent to England, and he returned to the trenches about the beginning of August last. He is 24 years of age, and prior to enlistment was for some years employed by Messrs. Eastman, Ltd., butcher, Rushden. Joining the Colours in March 1916, he first went to the western front in September 1917. As a lad he was a member of the Rushden C.L.B. His brother, Pte. Lawrence James, Northants Regiment, has been missing for four years.

Mr. Ebenezer Wrighton, of 257 Wellingborough-road, Rushden, received a letter recently from his second son, Pte. J. W. Wrighton, of the headquarter’s staff motor transport, stating that he met with an accident whilst in a dug-out, receiving an injury to the scalp. We are pleased to state that Pte. Wrighton has made a good recovery and has now resumed his duties.

53657 Pte. Joseph Parker, London Regiment, Park-place, Rushden, is in St. George’s Hospital, London, suffering from blood poisoning as the result of a bullet wound in the right foot sustained about a month ago. Pte. Parker has been in France since last March, having enlisted at the age of 18 years on March 28th 1917.

Mr. and Mrs. Goodman, of 18 Park-place, Rushden, have received a line, written in the train, from their son, Corpl. Horace Goodman, Queen’s (R.W. Surreys), to say he has been wounded in the face, left arm, and shoulder blade, and has arrived in England. He joined the Colours in March 1917, and went to France in May last. He was formerly employed by the Tecnic Boot Co.

Rushden’s Casualty List
Pte. John Andrew Coles, Royal Fusiliers, son of Sapper Coles, R.E., and Mrs. Coles, of 10, West-street, Rushden, received severe wounds on September 22^nd in the foot and right arm and is now in hospital at Exeter.  Pte. Coles, who is but 18 years of age, joined the Colours in March, going out with a draft to the Western front in August.  Before enlistment he was employed by Mr. Davison, boot manufacturer, Rushden, and was a Sergt. Drummer in the Rushden C.L.B., of which organisation he had been a member for five years.  His father enlisted 14 months ago, a sister is in the Girl Guides, and an uncle, Pte. T. Smith (Leicester Regiment) is in Egypt.

Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Sykes, of 19, York-road, Rushden, have received news that their only son, Signaller Jas. Sykes (Royal Fusiliers), attached R.N.D., was wounded in the nose and mouth on September 27^th and is now in hospital in France.  The wounded soldier, who joined the Colours twelve months ago last February, is 20 years of age, and proceeded to the Western front in March last.  His parents received a letter from him this (Friday) morning in which he says that four pieces of shell have been taken out of his nose and that he has lost some of his front teeth, whilst others have been loosened.  He states that the Rev. M. Hayward, of the Soldiers’ Christian Association (Church of England) who paid a visit to the Park-road Baptist Church during the Rev. H. J. Horn’s ministry, is stationed at the Convalescent Depot where he is a patient.

Pte. Charles Gaunt, Northants Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Gaunt, of 31, Manton-road, Rushden, is officially reported as having been wounded on September 19^th in Palestine, in the right thigh.  Pte. Gaunt is 21 years of age and joined the Colours in November 1914, when but 17 years of age.  He proceeded to the Dardanelles in February, 1915, and subsequently fought his country’s battles in Egypt and Palestine, being transferred to the infantry early this year.  His parents are anxious for further news concerning their son, and will be grateful to any of his comrades who can further enlighten them.

Corpl. John T. Farrar, Northants Regiment, whose wife resides at Plumstead, is in hospital in Birmingham, suffering from outbreak of his old wounds, received at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, and a return of malaria fever.  Corpl. Farrar, who is the son of Mr. Robert Farrer, Crabb-street, Rushden, enlisted ten years ago, and was in Egypt when war broke out.  He came home for 48 hours, and then went to France.  Whilst acting as a despatch rider at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle he was wounded in his legs and was sent back to England, being in Leeds Hospital for about six months.  On his return to France his wounds soon broke out again, and he again came to England, and was drill instructor for some time, returning to France last April.  His brother, Pte. Bert Farrar, Northants Regiment, has for three years seen service with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force.

Pte. Frank Bailey, Northants Regiment (son of Mr. J. S. Bailey, of Rushden, Lieut. of the C.L.B.), has been wounded by machine gun bullet in the neck.  He went over the top with his battalion on Sunday week, and it was then that he received the injuries.  He is now in hospital in Sheffield.  Pte. Bailey, who is 19 years of age, was before joining the Colours in the employ of the Blackstone Engineering Co., Stamford.  Another of Mr. J. S. Bailey’s sons, Lieut. Bailey, is in the Indian Army, having been promoted from the ranks while on service in Mesopotamia, and another is in the Merchantile Fleet Auxiliary.

Rushden Echo, October 11th, 1918, trancribed by Greville Watson

Rushden’s Casualty List
Mrs Robinson, of 93, Portland-road, Rushden, has been notified by the Red Cross Association that her husband, Leading Seaman S. Robinson, of the Anson Battalion, Royal Naval Division, is a prisoner of war in Germany.  Mrs Robinson has also received a postcard from her husband, bearing the postmark Limberg, giving the same information and stating that he is “sound.”  Leading Seaman Robinson has been missing from his unit since August 25th, as previously reported in the “Rushden Echo.”

Rushden Echo, October 11th, 1918, trancribed by Greville Watson

Rushden’s Casualty List
Mr Harry Willis, of 35, Victoria-road, Rushden, has received a letter from Pte. Wm. Chambers (Northants Regiment), of Higham Ferrers, giving the sad news that his eldest son, Pte. Wm. Willis (Northants Regiment) has been killed in action.  The deceased soldier, who has been in France four years, had been four times wounded, and once before it was rumoured that he had been killed, but fortunately this then proved unfounded.  The late Pte. Willis was well known in Rushden as a footballer, playing for the Church Institute Football Club.

Argus Newspaper

Rushden’s Casualty List
Signaller Arthur Timpson, Northants Rgt., husband of Mrs Timpson, of 70 Queen-street, Rushden, has sent a field-card to his wife stating that he has been wounded and admitted into hospital but is going on well. He adds that he is down at the base. Signaller Timpson was formerly in the Northants Yeomanry, and was called up with his regiment in April, 1915, and went to France on July 24th, 1916. He was transferred to the infantry in September last year. Before mobilisation he was employed as a finisher by Messrs. John Cave & Sons Ltd., Rushden. He had four more brothers serving their country, viz: Rifleman Harry Timpson, Rifle Brigade, who is a prisoner of war in Germany, having been taken in March this year; Pte. Herbert Timpson, Sick Berth Reserve, who is employed on the Hospital trains in England; Pte. Walter Timpson, Manchester Regt. In Italy; and Pte Albert Timpson, Royal Marines, who is in England.

Argus Newspaper

Rushden’s Casualty List
Mrs. George Adams of 62 Queen-street, Rushden, has received a field-card from her youngest son, Pte. Cecil Adams, Queen’s Royal West Surreys, stating that he has been wounded and admitted into hospital, but that he is going on well. Pte. Adams joined the colours on October 15th, 1917, and went to France in Easter Week this year. He was formerly employed by Messrs. Knight and Lawrence boot manufacturers, Rushden. He is only 19 years of age. A card received today states that he is injured by shrapnel in the right foot, and he adds that he is making good progress and hopes soon to be in Blighty.

Rushden’s Casualty List
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Rushden’s Casualty List
Mr. and Mrs. S. Wallis, Bedford-road, Rushden, have received news that their son, Pte. W. J. Wallis, Lancs Fusiliers, has been wounded and is in hospital in England. Pte. Wallis, whose wife resides at Burton Latimer, went to France last January, before which he worked for Messrs. Knight and Lawrence Ltd., boot manufacturers, Rushden. In a letter to his parents he says: “Although I am not a pepper box I look something like one, having two bullets in the upper part of my left leg, one in my left hip, and an explosive one in the lower part of my back, missing the spine by a fraction of an inch. I daresay it seemed a bit funny that I never wrote for some time; you will know the reason later. When one is enduring the hardships out there he wants something to cheer him up; for when one sits in the trench, waiting, thinking any mistake may be the last, a letter takes the strain off better than a good meal”.

Rushden’s Casualty List
Mrs. Elkington, of 29 Duck-street, Rushden, has received news that her son, Pte. Percy Elkington, Northants Regt., was wounded in the thigh by a shell on Sept. 18th. He is now in hospital at Manchester and making satisfactory progress. Pte. Elkington, who was formerly an assistant in the men’s outfitting department of the Rushden Industrial Co-operative Society, enlisted in June this year. He is not yet 19 years of age.

Rushden’s Casualty List
Mr. and Mrs. Groom of 63 Midland-road, Rushden, whose son Pte. William Horace Groom, of the Buffs, has been missing from his regiment since Aug. 16th, have now received a post card from him stating that he is a prisoner of war in Germany and sound.

Rushden’s Casualty List
Signaller H. Hillier, Bedfordshire Regt., who was formerly in the employ of Mr. C. G. Ward, grocer, Rushden, has been wounded in the thigh, and is now in hospital at Huddersfield. He is the son of Mr. W. J. Hillier, of Wollaston. Last October he suffered from the effects of Gas.

Rushden’s Casualty List
Pte. F. Berrill, Warwickshire Regt., son of Mr. & Mrs. F. Berrill, of 53 Moor-road, Rushden and husband of Mrs. Berrill of 52 Sartoris-road, Rushden, is in Duston Hospital suffering from a shell wound in the left shoulder. His mother and wife visited him on Wednesday and found him making satisfactory progress. Pte. Berrill was formerly employed by Messrs. A. Sudborough and Son, boot manufacturers, Higham Ferrers. This is the second time that he has been wounded. Mr. and Mrs. Berrill have one other son serving with the colours, viz: Pte Arthur Berrill, R.A.M.C., who is in Salonica.

Rushden’s Casualty List
Pte. Alfred Spencer, 43948, 2^nd Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment, aged 19, has been posted as missing since March 15^th, and his brother and sister-in-law, Pte. Fred and Mrs. Spencer, of 78, Robinson-road, Rushden, with whom he resided, would be glad of any information which any of his comrades can give concerning him.

The Argus Newspaper

Rushden’s Casualty List
Mr. and Mrs. William Margetts, of 130 Queen-street, Rushden, have received a letter from their son Pte. Wm. Harry Leonard Margetts, Royal Berks Regt., stating that he was wounded in the buttock on Oct. 8th, and is now in the County of Middlesex Hospital, Napsbury, St. Albans. Pte. Margetts joined the colours on Feb. 22nd. 1917, at the age of 18 years, and proceeded to the Western front in March this year. Up to the time of joining the Colours he was a clerk in the employ of Messrs. Jaques and Clark, boot manufacturers, Rushden. He was a member of the Young Men’s Bible Class at the Park-road Baptist Sunday school and his name is on the Roll of Honour of the church. Mr. and Mrs. Margetts have another son in France, viz: Sapper Sidney Margetts, R. E., and two sons-in-law also in France.

Rushden Echo, 25th October 1918

Casualty List - We are sorry to learn that Mr and Mrs Frederick Sudborough of 27, Milton-street, Higham Ferrers, have heard unofficially that their eldest son, Gunner Harold Sudborough, was killed in action in France between October 11^th and 12^th. The grievous news is sent by a soldier of the RFA who states that he buried Gunner Sudborough.

He also returns a copy of the hymn sheet used at the memorial service to the late Reverend Henry Long, which he found upon the deceased’s body.

Private Cecil Adams of Queen-street, Rushden, whom we reported wounded in our last issue, in a letter home says that when he last saw Gunner Sudborough he was lying seriously wounded and unconscious. Private Adams made an attempt to get Gunner Sudborough in, but before he could reach him was himself wounded and compelled to crawl back to cover.

The late Gunner Sudborough was but 19 years of age, and had been in France since last Easter, having joined the colours 12 months ago last August. Up to the time of enlistment he was a sergeant in the Higham Wesleyan Boys Brigade, and as a lad passed through the Wesleyan Sunday School.

Argus Newspaper

Casualty List - Mrs. Samuel Dawson, of 4, South-terrace, Rushden, has received news that her eldest son, Corpl. William Dawson, Australian Contingent, has been severely wounded. He has three wounds, the worst being in the shoulders and back. This is the second time he has been wounded, and he was in Rushden on leave early this year. Corpl. Dawson, who is now in hospital at Devonport, is a brother of Mrs F. Elmer, of 88, Cromwell-road, Rushden whose husband, Mr. F. Elmer, is the secretary of the local branch of the Discharged and Demobilised Sailors' and Soldiers’ Federation On Wednesday morning Mrs. Elmer received a letter from her brother in which he says: "I am progressing fairly-well, but some days I am a great deal better than others, but there is nothing serious now." He further inquires after his brother-in-law (Mr. Frank Elmer), and adds: "I saw his name mentioned in the 'Rushden Echo' and his interest in the discharged heroes. I wish him every success." Corpl. Dawson, who enlisted in Australia, had been in the Commonwealth five years prior to the date of his enlistment.

Rushden's Casualty List - Victims of The War
Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Austin, of 138, Cromwell-road, Rushden, have received news that their son, Pte. Sidney Austin, Herts Regt., aged 24, has been wounded, and was admitted into the 8th (Stationary) Hospital at Wimereux, France, on October 9th. He is suffering from a contused wound on the right land, accidentally received, and severe in its nature. This is the fifth time he has been wounded. He was buried alive no fewer than three times on one day in the debris caused by shells. Enlisting several years before the war broke out, he has seen a good deal of service. His brother, Pte. William Austin, is now serving in the Military Police in France, and is almost time-expired.

Rushden Echo, 25^th October, 1918

Rushden’s Casualty List - Victims of The War
Mr. T. A. Woodhams, of 25, Co-operative-row, has received information that two of his soldier sons have been admitted to hospital.  Pte. Jack Woodhams, Canadian Contingent, has been gassed slightly, and Pte. Thomas Woodhams, Lancashire Fusiliers, is suffering from trench fever.

Pte. Raymong Hollinshead, Welsh Regiment, formerly in the employ of the India and China Tea Co., at Rushden, son of Mr. J. H. Hollinshead, Manor House, Denford, has been missing since September 18^th.  The missing soldier, who is 25 years of age, enlisted in the R.A.M.C. on January 31^st, 1916, and in May, 1917, was drafted to France, after a few weeks going to Salonika.  At the 50^th General Hospital at Salonika he served in an enteric fever ward for about ten months.  About five months ago he passed for the infantry, and in a letter dated September 8^th said he had gone north towards the line among the hills.

Tragic loss of Rushden Family
Mr. and Mrs. Rawlins, of 13, Moor-road, Rushden, have suffered very deeply in the war. They have eight children and have lost three, two by war. They have just heard that Rifleman J. T. Rawlins, of the K.R.Rs. is reported missing in the operations of Oct. 3rd. The soldier was not 20 years of age, and he is the fourth son. He joined up with Capt. Stocken before he was 16 years of age, and was discharged for being under age. He re-joined on August 6th, 1917, and went to France the following Easter. He used to work at Messrs. Sanders and Sanders’, and was once a member of the Mission Band. Lance-Corpl. Rawlins, another son, died of wounds in France in August, 1916, and it will be remembered that the eldest son was drowned about five years ago. Another son, now the eldest of eight, is expecting to join up as he has come to military age. Mr. Rawlins is a collector for the Trades Union, and is well known and respected, and much sympathy will be felt for him in his trouble. The missing soldier’s officer writes that he has every reason to believe that Rifleman Rawlins is a prisoner and that he was greatly liked by the men in his platoon.

Pte Endersby

Badly Gassed - Pte W Endersby of the West Surreys
[picture only - no article]

Rushden Echo, 1st November 1918, transcribed by Kay Collins

Rushden's Casualty List
Pte. Walter Raymond Endersby, West Surrey Regiment, third son of Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Endersby, of “Glenfern,” Portland-road, Rushden, is officially reported as having been severely injured with mustard gas on October 1^st.  He is now in hospital at Le Treport, France.  In a letter to his parents he says that he was partially blind for several days, but is now making satisfactory progress, and hopes shortly to be discharged from hospital.  Pte. Endersby, who is 19 years of age, was up to the time of enlistment in February 1917, a clerk in the Irthlingborough branch of the London City and Midland Bank.  He went to France on November 26^th, 1917.  Pte. Endersby was educated at Wellingborough Grammar School.  Mr. and Mrs. Endersby have two other sons serving their country, viz., Ptes. Herbert and Aubrey Endersby, both of the R.A.M.C., and both of whom are in France.

The Rushden Echo, November 1st, 1918, trancribed by Greville Watson

Rushden’s Casualty List - Private Percy Stanley Waller
Pte. Percy Stanley Waller, North Stafford Regiment, son of Mr and Mrs A. Waller, of 1a, Midland-road, Rushden, is lying in a serious condition from wounds in the right leg and a fractured left arm, in hospital in France. On Friday last his parents received a cablegram summoning them to his bedside, and left England for France immediately. On Tuesday Mr and Mrs Waller wired home that their son was slightly better. Pte. Waller, who is 19 years of age, joined the Colours in March, 1917, and went to France in April this year. He was formerly employed by Mr Davidson, boot manufacturer, Rushden.

Pte. W. Chapman, Royal Dublin Fusiliers, of Westborne-grove, Raunds, and son of Mrs. Chapman, 32, Duck-street, Rushden, has died of wounds received in action.  A letter has been received from the sister-in-charge of the 41^st Casualty Clearing Station, stating that Pte. Chapman was admitted to hospital on October 18^th, suffering from a severe wound in the head.  He never rallied, and died the same day without recovering consciousness. [we are not able to confirm this man]

Previously reported missing, Pte. Raymond Hollinshead, Welsh Regiment, a former employee at the India and China Tea Company’s Rushden shop, is now reported killed while on service with the Salonika Force.  The body has now been found.  He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Hollinshead, of Denford.

Mr W P Orrell, chemist, Rushden, has received a letter from his former assistant, Trooper J L Shoesmith, of the Hussars, stating that he was wounded on October 8th, receiving a bullet wound in the right leg, just below the knee. Trooper Shoesmith is now in the County of Middlesex War Hospital, Napsbury, near St Albans. In the course of his letter to Mr Orrell, the injured soldier says: “I was wounded on October 8th, the first day our new push. It is not very serious, though, I am pleased to say—a bullet wound in the right leg just below the knee. It did not go right through, but almost, and I have had it taken out here. Of course, I am still confined to bed as I cannot bear any weight on my leg at present, but I am going on all right, and can assure you I am more than pleased to have got off so lightly. It is quite nice to be back in Blighty once more, and I think, with a bit of luck, and the war finishing within the next month or so, I shall not have to go back again.....

How are things at Rushden? By the way, I met a fellow on the ship (an R.A.M.C. orderly) who used to live at Rushden. His mother still lives there, he informed me—Lovell’s, of Church-street.....

Remember me kindly to all Park-road Wesleyan friends.”

Rushden Echo, 1^st November 1918, transcribed by Kay Collins

Rushden’s Casualty List
A report has been received that Corpl. Dick Bettles, Tank Corps, husband of Mrs. Bettles, of 17, Windmill-road, Rushden, and son of Mr. and Mrs. Bettles, of 19, Windmill-road, Rushden, has been wounded.  They have, however, reason to doubt the authenticity of the report, as they have received letters bearing dates subsequent to that on which he was reported wounded, and in which he makes no mention of having sustained any injuries.

R/697 A.B. Horace Edward Waller, Anson Battalion, R.N.D., son of Mr A E Waller, of 7, Higham-road, Rushden, is officially reported as missing from his unit since Sept. 30^th 1918. His sub-lieutenant, in a letter to Mr Waller says: “I am extremely sorry I can give you no other information than that A.B. H Waller was posted as missing on Sept. 30^th. He may probably be a prisoner in the hands of the enemy.” The missing seaman enlisted on January 29^th 1917, and was drafted to France in the following July. He is 20 years of age.

Rushden Echo, 8^th November, 1918

Rushden’s Casualty List
  Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Nichols, of Alfred-street, Rushden, have received a letter from their son, Bombardier John Nichols, R.G.A., stating that he is in hospital in Palestine, suffering from an affection of the heart.  Bombardier Nichols was one of the first to cross the river Jordan.

Rushden Echo, 22^nd November, 1918

Rushden’s Casualty List
News has been received of the death in action in France on November 8^th, of Pte. William Turner, Royal Fusiliers, of Crabb-street, Rushden.  He had been in the Army about three years, and had served in Italy and France, being wounded several times.  In some very severe fighting last Friday week, Pte. Turner got wounded in the back, and before he could be reached and brought to safety he was shot in the head.  He leaves a widow, but no children. [we are unable to confirm this man]