 Son of Mr John and Mrs Mary Wright
Aged 19 years
Died 21st August 1918
Commemorated at Achiet-le-Grand Communal Cemetery (Extension)
Grave III. D.8.
And in Rushden Cemetery
Grave number E.798/9
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Born Rushden 25th Jan 1899. Boot operative.
Entered 13th Mar 1917; Draft for BEF 2nd Apr 1918, joined Drake Bn. 8th Apr 1918 - 18th Apr 1918 to hospital, rejoined Drake Bn. 9th Aug 1918 - 21st Aug 1918 DD. |
Rushden Echo, September 6th, 1918, transcribed by Greville Watson
Rushden’s Casualty List - Victims of the War
Mr and Mrs John Wright, of 109, Washbrook-road, Rushden, received news yesterday that their third son, A.B. Harry Reginald Wright, R.N.D., was killed in action on August 21st. Lieut. Arnold, the deceased’s commanding officer, writes under date August 30th: “It is with deepest regret that I have to inform you of the death in action of your son, which took place on August 21st. Whilst mourning his loss, it will no doubt be a source of comfort to know that he died like a soldier and that his death was a painless one. Assuring you of my deepest sympathy in your great loss.” The late Seaman Wright was only 19 years of age, and joined the Colours in March, 1917, going to France in Easter week this year. For three years he was employed in the outfitting department of the Rushden Co-operative Drapery Stores, but at the time of enlistment was employed by Messrs. Eaton Bros., boot manufacturers, Rushden. As a lad he passed through the Sunday school of St. Mary’s Church, Rushden. Mr and Mrs Wright will be grateful to any of their son’s friends who can send them any further particulars concerning the manner of his death. They have two other sons and a son-in-law serving with the Colours, viz., Pte. J. E. Wright, R.A.M.C., who has been in France nearly three years; Gunner Frank Wright, R.G.A., who is stationed at Sheerness; and the son-in-law, Corpl. S. V. Newman, R.E., who has been over two years in France. |
| The Wellingborough News Friday 13 September 1918, transcribed by Nicky Bates
Naval Loss - Rushden Co-operator Killed in Action
A.B. Harry Reginald Wright, R.N.D., third son of Mr and Mrs John Wright, of 109 Washbrook-road, Rushden, was killed in action on August 21st. The news is sent by his officer, Lieut Arnold. The deceased seaman was 19 years of age, and joined up in March last year. He went to France in Easter Week last. Previous to joining the Forces he was employed by Messrs. Eaton Bros., Rushden though he had been in the Rushden Co-operative Drapery stores for three years. Mr and Mrs Wright have two other sons and a son-in-law in serving.
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| The Rushden Echo Friday 22 August 1919, transcribed by Nicky Bates
In Memoriam
WRIGHT - In loving memory of our dear brother AB Harry Reginald Wright, of 109 Washbrook-road, Rushden, who was killed in action on August 21st, 1918.
Do not ask if we miss him;
There is such a vacant place;
Can we ever forget the footsteps
And his sweet familiar face?
From his loving Brother and Sister-in-law.
WRIGHT - In ever loving memory of our dear one AB Harry Reginald Wright, Drake Battalion, R.N.D., who gave his young life for us in France, August 21st, 1918.
There is a link death cannot sever;
Loving remembrance lives for ever.
From his loved ones of 109 Washbrook-road, Rushden.
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| From papers kindly loaned by Susan Sumpter.
Born 25th Jan 1899.
Enrolled in RND 13th March 1917.
Height 5' 8", chest 34", fresh complexion, brown hair and blue eyes.
A boot operative by trade, and Church of England faith.
From the "A" Reserve Battalion, Harry was rated to Able Seaman on 17th Oct 1917 and transferred to the 2nd Reserve Battalion on 22nd Oct 1917. On 2nd April 1918 he was transferred from Aldershot, to the Drake 32 Battalion on the 8th April, and moved to Drake 34 on the 25th April. In May he was at Etaples and then Trouville. On 2nd July he was transferred to Drake 55, and on 16th August to Drake 68. Just five days later he paid the ultimate price.
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| Taken from a photocopy of a Certificate of the Inspector of Seamen's Wills:
Will Register No.10460/1918 dated 14 Jul 1919.
On the application of Mrs. Rebecca Wright, 109 Washbrook Road, Rushden, Executrix of the will dated 29th March 1918....................
Description of Effects: Residue of Wages £4.1.1 paid by Postal Draft and
Naval War Gratuity £8.0.0. paid through Post Office Savings Bank.
Date stamp : Admiralty 25 Jy 19
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