Rushden Lady's Death

The death took place this (Friday) morning at 77 Queen-street, Rushden, of Mrs Charlotte Tomlin, wife of Mr John Tomlin of the firm of Messrs. Whittington and Tomlin, undertakers. The deceased lady, who was 60 years of age, had been a great sufferer during the past nine weeks, but the real nature of her complaint was not known until about a fortnight ago, when Dr Mulligan, was called in for consultation. Cancer was then diagnosed, but the doctor expressed the opinion that an operation was impracticable owing to the seat of the disease. The late Mrs Tomlin leaves a husband, two daughters and a son. The latter, Pte Fred Tomlin, and a son-in-law, Pte Charles Clark, are both serving in France.

Rushden's Casualty List - Men, Killed, Wounded, and Gassed In the Great German Offensive

We regret to learn that Councillor John Tomlin, of 77 Queen-street, Rushden, has suffered further bereavement by the death from wounds of his only son, 47495, Pte F Tomlin, Northants Regiment. It is barely three months since the deceased soldier's mother passed away after a painful illness, and much sympathy is felt with Councillor Tomlin, in his double bereavement. The news is doubly sad, as on Sunday Mr Tomlin received a letter from the Chaplin, who apparently held out good hopes of the soldier's recovery. The Chaplain wrote under date April 22nd: "I am writing for your son, F Tomlin, 47495, who has been wounded in the left leg. He was taken to the Casualty Clearing Station last night. To-day he is better, and the medical officers are hopeful of a good recovery. He is receiving the best surgical skill and every tender care and comfort. He is very bright and cheerful, and looks forward to seeing his home again soon. He will be going down to the base in a day or two, and will (D.V.) write you from there himself. Meantime he sends you his love, and begs you not to worry on his account, as he will be all right again". On Tuesday morning Mr Tomlin received an official wire stating that his son had succumbed to his wounds, and on Wednesday morning he received a letter from his son himself, dated April 25th, the soldier writing in the best of spirits and expressing the hope that he would soon be in England. Councillor Tomlin has received many letters of condolences from his colleagues on the Rushden Urban District Council, and from other friends. The late Pte Tomlin celebrated his 27th birthday on the day before he passed away. Up to the date of enlistment in the county regiment about three years ago, he was employed as a carpenter and builder by his father. He was an enthusiastic footballer, at one time playing for Rushden Fosse Football Club. In years gone by he was a member of the old Volunteer Force, leaving when they became merged into the Territorials.

Rushden Councillor’s Son Killed

Rushden will be deeply sorry for Councillor J. Tomlin of Messrs. Whittington and Tomlin, in the loss of his only son, who died of wounds received in action. The blow is intensified by the fact that but twelve weeks ago Councillor Tomlin lost his wife. A letter was received from a chaplain couched in most hopeful terms, stating that Pte. Tomlin was wounded in the left leg, and was hopeful of a good recovery. The wounded man was cheerful, and looking forward to coming home. The next day (Monday) Councillor Tomlin received a wire saying "Regret to inform you Pte. F. Tomlin, Northants Regiment, died of wounds on April 27th at the 1st Canadian General Hospital, Etaples."

The gallant soldier reached his 27th birthday on Friday, the 26th, and he died the next day. He joined up in the early months of the war, and was twelve months in France before he was invalided home with trench fever. Previous to joining up he worked with his father.