The Rushden Echo Friday 11 June 1915, transcribed by Nicky Bates
Died Bravely At His Post Rushden Family Bereaved Nearly Twenty Years' Service
Pte W Staniland, 1st King's Dragoon Guards, Indian Expeditionary Force, brother of Mr H Staniland, of Rushden, has, we regret to state, been killed in action. Pte Staniland, who had spent 19 years in the service, ten of which were in India, held three medals - the South Africa medal with three bars, the King's durbar medal, and the Emperor of Austria's Own. Deceased was not married, and since, the death of his father (a Lincolnshire man), his registered home was Rushden. He landed in France in September last.
Writing to his brother at Rushden, under date May 30th, Pte Staniland said: "Expecting to go into the trenches to-night; staying Ypres; shells and shrapnel bursting all night. Yesterday the Germans sent eight big shells into the camp, hitting no-one. Thousands upon thousands of troops here. Saw the Northants Yeomanry yesterday. What we dread most is the poisonous gases. We go into the trenchers for ten days, and I hope I shall survive it." This was the last letter he sent to Rushden.
The news of Pte Staniland's death reached his relatives in Rushden this week in a letter, dated June 5th, from Lieut A Jacques, as follows: "Dear sir, - It is with sincere regret I have to inform you that your brother, Pte Staniland. was killed in action on June 2nd. He died gallantly at his post, and never left it; and the regiment mourn with you at his loss. I feel it is a personal loss, as he was in my troop, and a brave soldier. I extend to you, with all ranks, the deepest sympathy in your bereavement."
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The Wellingborough News Friday 18 June 1915, transcribed by Nicky Bates
Rushden Hero Killed
We regret to record the death of Pte W Staniland, 1st King's Dragoon Guards. Indian Expeditionary Force, brother of Mr H Staniland of Rushden. Pte Staniland was an experienced soldier, having served in South Africa and India. He was sent to the front last September. The sad news was received by his brother at Rushden. in a letter from Lieut A Jacques, which stated that he died bravely at his post on June 2nd. and that his death was mourned by all the regiment.
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