Rushden Soldier's Death - Private Bert Tompkins - Shot Through the Head by a Sniper

We sincerely regret to report that Mrs H Tompkins, of 105, Washbrook-road, Rushden, has received unofficial news of the death in action, on October 22nd of her husband, 89358, Pte Lawson Herbert ("Bert") Tompkins, of the Machine Gun Corps.

The news is sent by Lieut Cullen, who writes under date October 23rd, as follows, "I am very sorry to have such very sad news for your, for your husband, No. 89358, Pte L Tompkins, was killed in action on the morning of October 22nd. He had just gone forward to get into position with his team, when he was shot through the head by a sniper. Death was instantaneous, and he had no suffering whatever. His death is a great blow to us all here. Very shortly after he joined the company we realised that he was one out steadiest and most efficient men. To you we all send out most sincere sympathy in your sad loss."

The late Pte Tompkins, who was 29 years of age, joined the Colours last January, and proceeded to France in May. Prior to enlistment he was employed by Messrs. Nurrish and Pallett, boot manufacturers, Rushden. He leaves a widow, with whom much sympathy is felt in her bereavement.

Rushden Gunner Killed by Sniper

Unofficial news has been received of the death in action of Pte Lawson Herbert Tompkins, Machine Gun Corps, husband of Mrs Tompkins, of 105, Washbrook road, Rushden. The deceased's lieutenant writes that he was killed in action on the morning of October 23rd by a sniper. The greatest sympathy will be felt for the widow. He was 29 years of age, and prior to last January, when he joined up, he worked for Messrs. Nurrish and Pallett.

Rushden Soldier's Death - Private LH Tompkins - Official News

Mrs L H Tompkins, of 105, Washbrook-road, Rushden, has now received official news confirming the death in action on October 22nd, of her husband, 89358, Pte L H Tompkins, of the Machine Gun Corps, who death was unofficially reported in the "Rushden Echo" a fortnight ago.

The late Pte Tompkins, was the second son of Mr and Mrs Daniel Tompkins, of 5 Westbourne-Grove, Rushden, and much sympathy is felt with the widow and parents in their bereavement.

Mrs Tompkins desires to express her sincere thanks to all those friends of Rushden and Wellingborough who with kindly thought have sent expressions of sympathy with her in her great loss.

In Memoriam

TOMPKINS - In memory of my dear husband who was killed in action on Oct. 22nd, 1917 - Nellie Tompkins, WRAF, late of 105 Washbrook-road, Rushden.