The Rushden Echo Friday 17 November 1916, transcribed by Nicky Bates
Local Soldier Killed - Pte Kenneth Webb - Son of the Late Mr Walter Webb, of Rushden
In a recent issue we announced briefly that Pte Kenneth Walter Webb, eldest son of the late Mr Walter Webb, outfitter, of High-street, Rushden and of Mrs Walter Webb, now of Bedford, had been killed in action. Further news is now to hand.
Lieut Jeakes writes as follows:-
"Dear Mrs Webb, - I regret to have to break to you the sad news that your son, Pte K Webb was killed on Oct. 20th. I cannot express how sorry I feel for you, though you must be proud of your son, who died for his King and Country. All the time he was with us he did his duty and we could always rely upon him. I know that all in his company would wish me you express their sincerest sympathy with you in the loss of your son.
"He was killed when in the trenches, but you will no doubt be relieved to know that his death was immediate and he suffered no pain. He is buried behind the line and a cross will be - and I believe already been - placed to mark his grave. If there is anything you would like to know, write me and I will try and answer your questions. With my sincerest sympathies to you in your great sorrow, I remain, yours truly, J W Jeakes, Lieut."
Sergt A Hawkins (deceased's platoon sergeant) sent the following letter to the father of Pte Webb's fiancee:-
"I am sorry to say that while waiting to go in the trenches on the afternoon of Oct. 20th, a shell burst close to Pte Webb, which killed him instantaneously. He suffered nothing. He was buried in a churchyard in the evening. He was a good man in my platoon and we all miss him greatly and all his comrades send their greatest sympathy to all relatives and friends. I need not say that I miss him greatly. He was one of the best men in my platoon."
The deepest sympathy will be felt in Rushden for Mrs Webb in the sad death of her eldest son.
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