Rushden Argus, 25th May 1917, transcribed by Kay Collins

The Roll of Honour for Midland-road was dedicated on Wednesday evening. The oaken erection has been placed just inside the railings of St. Peter’s Church, near the eastern entrance, and it contains 35 names, four soldier or sailors who have fallen and several of the men who are reported “missing.” On Wednesday evening the Roll was tastefully adorned with flowers and Union Jacks. A large and beautiful anchor of laurel and lilies was in memory of the late George A. Tailby, who perished on the “Hampshire” and a spray of flowers was in memory of “Ted” Bozet. Practically the whole of the inhabitants of the street attended the service, which was of a fittingly impressive nature. After the singing of the hymn, “Fight the good fight,” the Vicar (Rev. P. J. Richards) dedicated the Roll, and read out the names which were upon it. The Rector (Rev Percy Robson) gave an address, in which he outlined the purposes and significance of the Roll, paid tribute to the lads who had died or were now serving, and expressed a hope that many of them would come safely home again.—The Rev. C. J. Keeler followed with another fitting tribute, mentioning how greatly the boys appreciated anything that was done for them. “O God, our Help” was then sung, after which a few words, in which he referred to the anchor as a symbol of hope, were added by the Vicar, who then prayed for the absent ones, the bereaved, and for those who had departed. The service concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.

Rushden’s Soldier Sons – Midland-Road Roll of Honour – Gratitude for Gifts

The Committee of the Midland-road Roll of Honour at Rushden have sent a postal order for 3s. to each of the lads on active service whose names are inscribed thereon and Miss L. Smith, the secretary, has received many letters of thanks, extracts from which are appended:-

Pte. G. Linger, T.R.B.: It is with pleasure I acknowledge postal order, and the pleasure is intensified by the knowledge that though away from home, we are remembered by our former friends and neighbours.

C. Boyce, S.B.R.: Best thanks to the Committee and kind friends who have been so generous, that we who are away may have a little comfort.

Pte. H. H. Willis: I wish the war shrine committee every success.

Pte. W. H. Groom: It helps a soldier to think those at home are doing all they can to help them in their duty to their country.

Signaller W. Edwards, H.M.S. --: I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this idea of the war shrine, not because I care to see my name put up in a public place, but because of the kindly thoughts of the friends who put it up. We are all looking forward to the time when this awful struggle will cease.

Pte. W. Mole, Northants Regiment: I am proud to think we have a Roll of Honour in our street. I hope the time is not far distant when we shall be amongst you all again in dear old Rushden.

Midland-Road Roll of Honour—Ordinary Seaman J T Tuffrey, R.N.D., writing to Mrs Mole, secretary of the Midland-road Roll of Honour, expresses thanks for postal order for 4s., and proceeds: “I think it is very kind of the committee to think of then men in this way. It is hard to be taken away from our homes, but it is a great consolation to know that we are in the minds of those who are left in the town.” G Lingard, S.B.R., says: “I am convinced that these gifts cannot be sent only by some self-sacrifice by you and your helpers. I therefore trust that anything you may take in hand for the cause will receive the support of all and meet with the success it deserves. I saw a report of the dance, etc., which proved such a success.” Pte. J Goosey says: “I wish the war shrine the best of luck for the good it does the boys here.” Pte. W H Groom writes: “It makes the boys who are doing their bit feel that they are not forgotten by those at home.” Trooper F Pratt, Reserve Cavalry Regt.: “I am sure it is very good of you all to do what you have done for us.”

The Midland-road Roll of Honour committee have forwarded a further sum of 3s. each to the 27 soldiers whose names are inscribed thereon.

Midland-road Soldiers—The committee of the Midland-road Roll of Honour have sent 6s. to each of the soldiers and sailors whose names are on the list, the proceeds of a corresponding number competition and a whist drive and dance.

Rushden Echo, 19^th April 1918

THE SUM of 5s. has been sent to each of the 28 boys on the Midland-road Roll of Honour – the third gift since Christmas.