Rushden Soldier's Fate - Pte Edward Horace Weekley Reported Killed

We are sorry to report that Mrs E Lawson, of 45, Victoria-road, Rushden, has received official news that her brother, Pte Edwards Horace Weekley, Northants Regiment, has been missing from his unit since March 1st, and that the Army Council have been regretfully constrained to conclude that he is dead, and that his death took place on March 1st (or since).

The deceased soldier's captain writes under date March 11th: "I am sorry to inform you that 15308 Pte Weekley was killed on March 1st. He was buried behind the line and a cross is being put upon his grave. All the time he was with this battalion he worked his hardest to get on, and he was also liked by all the other men. I deeply sympathise with you in your loss."

The late Pte Weekley, who was 22 years of age, joined the Colours in September, 1914, with his brother, Pte Harry Weekley. They were together September, 1915, when both went to France, but Harry was then transferred to the Royal Fusiliers. Harry was badly wounded on June 7th last year and was sent home to England, and since his recovery has been stationed at Dover.

The late Horace Weekley, was invalided home in March last year suffering from nephritis, but he returned to the front in June, 1917. A month age he was home on leave. At the time of enlistment he was employed at the C.W.S. boot works, Rushden but prior to joining that firm he worked for Messrs. J Horsley, Ltd, Rushden for about eight years.

The last communication received from him was a field card dated March 1st - the same day on which he was killed.

As a lad he passed through the Independent Wesleyan Sunday School at Rushden, and his name is inscribed on the Roll of Honour of that church. In view of conflicting reports, Mrs Lawson, whose address is given above will be grateful to any of her brother's comrades, whose can send her any further details concerning his death.

Rushden Man Killed on Returning to the Trenches

We regret to learn that Pte. Edward Horace Weekley, Northants Regt., brother of Mrs. E. Lawson, of 45, Victoria-road, Rushden, has been official reported as missing, believed killed, on March 1st. His captain and some of his comrades have written to say that he was killed in action. Pte. Weekley joined the forces in September 1914, and went to France in September 1915. He was invalided home in March 1916, with nephritis, and returned to France in June last. He was home on leave a month ago. Prior to enlistment he worked at the C.W.S. Boot Factory, Rushden, but was formerly employed by Messrs. J. Horsley Ltd., Rushden. Pte Weekley was 22 years of age.