War Shrine—A “Roll of Honour” for Moor-road, Dayton-street, Montague-street, and Pemberton-street was dedicated on Saturday by the Vicar, the Rev. P. J. Richards. There was a very large attendance at the dedication, which was of an impressive character. The Vicar was assisted by the Rev. Percy Robson (Rector of St. Mary’s) and the Rev C. J. Keeler, of High-street Church. The collection amounted to £1 10s. 8½d., and the amount previously collected was over £8. The “Shrine” is a very handsome one, and was made by Messrs. Whittington and Tomlin. The committee responsible for the arrangements were Mesdames Smith (secretary), Mackness (treasurer), Twelftree, Tye, Dungate, J. Wright, Todd, and Richardson. There were 98 names of the “Roll” and they were printed by master Denton, of Windmill-road. We understand that there will be sufficient balance to send 1s. 6d. each to the lads serving.

Postal Orders for the Boys - Rushden Soldiers at Home and Abroad
Moor-Road and Montague-Street District

Mrs. Smith, of Montague-street, Rushden, secretary of the Roll of Honour for Montague-street, Pemberton-street, Moor-road and Dayton-street, has received from the boys whose names appear on the list many letters of thanks for the postal orders sent by the committee. The following are a few extracts:-

W. A. Miller, 7th Northants Regiment writes from hospital in Birmingham: I am wounded in both legs, but I am glad to say I am getting on nicely. This is the second time I have been wounded, and I have been in France 22 months, so I have seen a little bit of what is going on there. God speed the day when it is all over, and the bells are ringing “Peace on earth and goodwill to men”.

Gunner F. Tye, R.G.A., writes:- I trust the committee may continue to do good work for our soldier and sailor boys in this trying time, and wish them every success and a speedy termination of this terrible war.

H. E. Swindall, T.B.R.: My only regret is that I was not at home on leave for the dedication service. You may be sure that all the fellows, whether at home stations or abroad, will heartily appreciate your good wishes.

Lance-Corpl. R. Tye: We shall all be glad when this wretched business is over and we can rejoin those whom we have had to leave.

Seaman Walter Wigglesworth, H.M.S.--: It is not the gift, but those who sent it that I appreciate most. I have just come off the mine-sweepers. That is a very dangerous job, but you don’t have to take any notice of the risky jobs in wartime. Someone has to do them.

Pte. T. Rideout: I wish your efforts in such a good cause every success.

Corpl. W. R. Harrod, T.R.B.: I thank you one and all for the way you are thinking of the boys who are facing the dangers of this wicked war bravely. I am quite certain that the boys at the front do not trouble so much when they know the people at home are thinking of them.

Pte. S. Underwood: I am very pleased to think that my friends who are left behind in the dear old homeland are thinking of us, and not only so, but are doing their best for those who are doing their bit both at home and abroad.

Sapper W. Tompson, R.R.C., writes thanking the committee and all concerned.

Sapper C. J. Leeson: Words fail to express my appreciation of the gift you kindly sent me. It cheers one up immensely to think you are not forgotten by friends.

Pte. Horace Brown, D. Co., 9th Northants Regiment: I have lived in Rushden about 18 months and have found many friends. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart, as to be remembered is something when away from friends and home. May God keep all Rushden people from the perils of the air.

Sergt. F. Bass, 7th Northants Regt. writing from the front, says he hopes to be in Rushden again shortly.

Pte. E. E. Barley, Essex Regt, says the work of the Rolls of Honour committees shows that those at home are thinking of the boys at the front and in training.

Pte T. Banks, T.R.B.: It is very kind of the residents to think of us in such a practical way. Gunner J. Bailey writes from France: I am in the best of health, and am waiting to go up any day and do my share in the fighting. Let us all hope this terrible war will soon be over. I don’t think it will last much longer.

Pte. Fred Letts: I hope this hard struggle will be over this year.

Pte. J. Taylor writes from London: I am one of the lucky ones, but, of course, have had to rough it like the rest of the lads who have been out there.

Rifleman H. Timson writes from a military hospital in the Isle of Sheppey, expressing thanks for the gift and for the good wishes.

Pte. L. Cox thanks the committee for their good work.

A. H. Johnson says: It is very nice to think that some are thinking of you at home and doing their best to show their appreciation of those who are doing their little to hold in check the common foe.

Gunner E. Upton, R.F.A., writes: I wish the committee every success in their efforst to ease our life out here. I hope to be in the old town in a month or two.

Rushden Soldiers’ Gratitude – The Moor-Road District
Boys at Home and Abroad - Local Lads in Hospital
Letters from Macedonia and Other Parts of the World

Mrs Smith, of Montague-street, Rushden, secretary of the Moor-road, Pemberton-street and Montague-street District Roll of Honour, has received a number of interesting letterd from sailors and soldiers expressing gratitude for gifts from the committee.

Corpl Saddler L Upton writes: I have much pleasure in writing these few lines straight from the hills of Macedonia. I must thank you and the friends of Montague-street for the welcome gift, which I received quite safe, and in the form of my favourite cigarettes—Woodbines. It is very good of the people of Rushden to organise such things as the shrines, as they not only comfort Tommy at the Front, but bring a closer relationship between neighbours and friends. I read the "Rushden Echo" every week, and it grieves me to see so many names of the gallant lads who have been torn from their parents and wives. You will agree with me when I say we have as hard a fight as any of our comrades. We have a terrible country of numerous diseases to fight, as well as one of our cleverest enemies. I myself have a slight touch of malarial fever, but, thank God, I managed to fight against it, and now feel not much the worse for it. Although I have not lived amongst you now for close on nine years, my thoughts are still with you and the grand little town where I was born.

F Bigley, writing from hospital at Cardiff, thanks the committee for their good wishes for his recovery, and says he is making good progress and expects to soon be well again.

H C Swindall, R N S B R: Rushden, I think, has every reason to be proud of the way in which the people are banded together to provide for the comfort and welfare of her soldiers and sailors, and, if I am any judge, nowhere has a place of its size done as much or showed greater unity in all ways connected with the war.

Lance-Corporal Attley: You can rest assured that while we are serving our country we shall do our duty to the best of our ability.

H Timson, S B R, of No 3, R N Ambulance Train: I wish you every success in your good work, which I am sure we all appreciate.

Corporal W R Harrod: When this terrible war is over, those boys who are spared will never forget your kindness to them, and I sincerely trust that a good many will return safe and sound.

Pte S Richardson writes from a war hospital in Staffordshire.

Pte R Ringrose urges the committee to "carry on with the good work".

Pte J T Rawlins: I am very pleased there are such things to help the soldiers who need it.

Ernest J Strudwick: Unfortunately, this war has continued beyond our early expectations, but we trust the great day of peace is now not far distant, and our return to civil life and more pleasant occupations only a matter of a short time. I trust that this period of unrest and sacrifice has dealt as kindly as circumstances would allow with Rushden people generally, and that a time of happiness and prosperity awaits all on our early return.

Pte G Norman, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, writes from hospital in Berkshire.

Pte F Noble, 5th Northants: I have been in hospital now for a month with a septic foot, but it is now going on finely. We have been in the midst of air-raids this week, but I am pleased to say our hospital has escaped all right, but it is very sad the number of sailors who were killed. Oh, the awfulness of this horrible war. I sincerely hope the time is not far distant when these awful affairs will cease.

Pte A C Gibson, Royal Berks Regt., writes from Northumberland: I am glad to say I am having a change from the trenches. It seems nice to be back again in dear old Blighty. I am on the sick list with a poisoned finger on the right hand.

3rd A-M C F Mackness, R F C: May it be God's will before long to stop this awful war and bring us back to our homes in peace and comfort.

Sapper Leeson, R E: It is a good old town, Rushden; they are never lacking in looking after the boys. We have just had a near escape. I trust you will never see anything like it, but I don't think the air raiders will get to Rushden.

Pte H Thompson, A O C, with the Salonika Forces: May the boys soon be back again.

Lance-Corporal E Clark writes from Duston War Hospital: I hope the peace bells will ring soon to bring back all our happiness.

T J Swindall, R N S B R: I had a very exciting time at our hospital this last week.

R Wright sends his sincere thanks from the red Cross Hospital at Swansea.

T Wright, B E F, France: Yesterday we started another offensive, and I am pleased to say that up to now we are doing splendidly, and we all hope that with God's help we shall soon be home again, as there must surely be an ending some time to the war.

J C Wright, from a hospital in Kent, refers to a recent air raid.

Bombardier A Upton, R F A, "Somewhere in France": I shall be glad when this terrible war is over, but I do not think it will finish this year.

Pte Frank Letts: We never see such things done for the lads of other towns.

Pte W A Miller writes from hospital in Birmingham: I am glad to say that I am getting on all right now.

Lance-Corporal Raymond Tye: I think Rushden has done its share in this great war.

L Cox: Rushden’s war shrines are a credit to any town, not only Northamptonshire, but in England.

Gunner W Taylor (on active service): I hope I shall soon be back to tell you all I have seen.

Pte F Parker sends a letter of thanks from "Somewhere in Palestine".

Gunner J Bailey writes from a hospital at Brighton: I am getting on a bit, but it will a long time. I think it is a good job that England has got some good women as well as soldiers, for I think most of them are doing their bit in one way or another.

Sapper Brooksby, who is in the 3rd London General Hospital, says: I have arrived in England and getting on very nicely, but it will be some time before I get home owing to the wound still discharging a little.

Gunner Bates: The Roll of Honour is quite a success by what I see in the "Rushden Echo". The 93 boys who have received the welcome gift will no doubt take it as a pleasant surprise, as I did.

Corporal H C Green: I have noticed every week by the "Rushden Echo". that there has been some very good work done by our friends in dear old Rushden.

Lance-Corporal J Meads: You do not know how much we appreciate these small gifts at such a distressing time.

Rifleman H Timpson, now in a V A D hospital in Kent, refers to the air-raid, and says he shall never forget what he saw, adding: The sights when the sailors were buried were enough to make a chap's blood boil.

Sidney Parker, Northants Pioneers, B E F: I was glad to see in the "Rushden Echo". that the whist drive and dance was such a success.

Pte Fred Letts, Northants regiment, B E F, France: I have just come out on rest again, and I can do with it, because we had a rough time this last lot.

H F Mackness, F A, says it is now 19 months since he left England.

Similar letters of gratitude have also been received from Ptes Upton, Rideout, W Houghton, W Wigglesworth, W Attley, Orderly-Sergt H E Green, Pte H J Groome (RAMC), C Mackness, Pte H Perkins, Pte W Underwood, Gunner A Dodd, Pte S Underwood, Wm Todd, Driver S Knighton, and others.

The Windmill Club Committee have written acknowledging with thanks a gift of 5s. from the Moor-road and Montague-street Roll of Honour fund towards the Club’s Soldiers’ Cigarette Fund.

Rushden Soldier's Thanks - Moor Road Roll of Honour
Boys in All Parts of the World

From the various fighting fronts abroad and the various training depots at home, the soldiers of the Moor-road, Montague-street and Pemberton-street district of Rushden have been sending letters of thanks Roll of Honour gifts to Mrs Smith of Montague street, the secretary. We have appended a few samples:-

Corpl. W. C. Green: I wish the war shrine every success.  I see by the “Rushden Echo” that there are quite a lot of them, and I notice that all the boys who receive their gifts appreciate them very much.

Rifleman G. E. Greaves, H.C.B. (India): I have read with pleasure of the work of the Rushden people in putting up the shrines.

Pte. John Underwood, Northants Regiment, a prisoner of war in Germany: I was pleased as well as surprised to get your gift.

Gnr. A. Dodd: It is nice to be thought of by friends when you are away from home.

Pte. W. A. Miller writes from a V.A.D. Hospital at Stourport.

O.S. H. E. Green, R.N.D.: These gifts go a long way to cheer us up.

Corpl. W. R. Harrod: The boys who are spared to come through this terrible war will never forget your kindness towards them in these trying times.

Pte. E. E. Barley: I hope that some day we shall be able to thank you all at dear old Rushden.

Lance-Sergt. H. Letts: I was pleased to hear that the whist drive and dance was a success.

Third A.M. C. F. Mackness, R.F.C.: It is nice to know that the people at home try to brighten us up by the little luxuries which the money provides us with.

C. Line writes from Halifax, N.S.

Gnr. J. Bailey: I wish all the Rolls of Honour every success, for they have done a lot of good for the boys far away.

Pte. H. J. Groome, R.A.M.C.: It is very good of you to think of the boys in the trenches and hospitals.

H. C. Swindall, R.N.S.B.R.: It is a great pleasure to know that so many fellows from Moor-road and the adjoining streets are serving their country in different ways.  I am pleased to see that the villages round are taking up the idea, and that new shrines are continually being erected.

Pte. F. Noble: The Rolls of Honour are a credit to the people who do the work.

Pte. G. Norman, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers: I am at a convalescent camp in the north of Ireland.

Lce-Corpl. E. Clark (in a war hospital at Croydon): I hope the war will come to an early close.

Pte. W. T. Percival: The Roll of Honour is doing good work for the boys who are away from home.

Pte. W. Simpson, Manchester Regiment: After my six days’ leave I go out to France.

Pte. Frank Letts: I told all the fellows here about our war shrines, and none of them are so fortunate as to have one similar, and they one and all praise such a movement.

Gnr. W. Taylor, R.F.A. (France): We have to put up with the weather, but we are all in the best of spirits.

O.S. G. Philby, R.N.D.: I love Rushden now more than ever I did, and your gift just reminds us that we are not forgotten by the good people of good old Rushden.

Sapper Brooksby writes from the 3^rd London General Hospital: I am feeling well in myself, and my jaw is a little easier but I am not getting on as I should like to.  Still, we must keep smiling.

Among others who have sent letters are Pte. H. Perkins, Wm. Todd, J. Hulatt, W. K. Houghton, J. C. Wright, Pte. S. Banks, Sapper C. J. Leeson, Pte. R. Ringrose, Fred Hart, and Rifleman R. Timpson (Rifle Brigade).

ANOTHER BATCH

The committee have received further letters of thanks from the recipients of the gifts, and we append a few samples:-

Ernest G. Strudwick (France): I am sure the congratulations of all the inhabitants of Rushden and district have been extended to Lieut Marshall Bailey, M.C., and as a neighbour in Moor-road, I wish to add my congratulations on his recent honour.

Bombardier A. Upton (France): I am longing for the time when this terrible war is over, but I am afraid we have got to have another winter out here.

Seaman W. Wigglesworth, of H.M.S.------: I am glad to hear the Red Cross fete was a success.

Bombardier F. Swindall (France): I appreciate the loyalty of our townsfolk very much.

Sergt. F. Bass (at the Front): Things seem to be going very well here the last few weeks.

Pte. Arthur New, A.S.C., Egyptian Expeditionary Force: We are still trudging along this way now the weather is much cooler, only about 80 in the sun.

Other letters of thanks have been received from Pte. W. Underwood, Syd. Parker (B.E.F.), G. H. Webb, Pte. W. T. Percival, Lance-Sergt. H. Letts, Pte. O. Upton, Telephonist F. Tye (R.G.A., France), Charles Ginns, Dan Tomlin, A. H. Johnson, and F. Bigley.

The Roll of Honour bearing the names of men serving with the Colours from Moor-road, Pemberton-street, Montague-street, and Dayton-street has been fitted with a new illuminated scroll, the work having been artistically carried out in colours and gold by Miss Alix Bailey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Bailey, of Moor-road. Very great credit devolves upon Miss Bailey, not only for her commendable art, but also for her painstaking zeal, as the illumination of the scroll must have taken up a great deal of her time.

The Moor-Road and District Roll of Honour Committee held a whist drive and dance last night in St. Peter’s Church Room. There was a large number present, The M.C.’s were: Whist, Mr. John Bailey; dance, Mr. Sam Denton. Miss Doris Todd was pianist.

Winners for whist: Ladies, 1 Miss Tipler (113), 2 Miss Tomlinson (113) (after a cut), 3 Miss Harris (111); gentlemen, 1 Pte. Watts (111), 2 Mr. G. Bailey (110), 3 Mr. G. Tompkins (110). There were 34 tables. The wounded soldiers from Higham Ferrers V.A.D. Hospital were present by invitation, and spent a very pleasant time. War-time refreshments were served by the committee, and smokes and refreshments were handed to the wounded soldiers. A cushion cover, beautifully worked by Mr. John Bailey, was competed for, the sum of £1 6s. 7d. being realised. Five new-laid eggs made 4s. 3d. A vote of thanks was accorded by the soldiers to the committee for their kindness. The total proceeds were upwards of £10.

Rushden Echo, 5^th July 1918

The Moor-Road District - Appreciation of Gifts from the Roll of Honour

Mrs. Smith, of Montague-street, Rushden, secretary of the Moor-road, Montague-street, and Pemberton-street Roll of Honour for that district, has received many letters expressing appreciation of gifts from the committee.  We append a sample:-

Able-Seaman H. E. Green (in Birmingham War Hospital): I am now back in England with a broken ankle.  I am very comfortable.  This is a very nice hospital, there are about 1,000 here.  I think we Rushden boys are very lucky with regard to war shrines, the chaps from other places don’t know anything about them, and wonder what they are.

Other writers include Rifleman H. Timpson, Pte. G. F. Tye, Herbert Mackness, Driver C. Mackness (B.E.F.), Pte. A. E. Gibson (B.E.F.), Corpl. W. R. Harrod (North Wales), Sapper C. J. Leeson, First-Class Petty Officer J. C. Wright, H. Tye, Third A.M. C. F. Mackness, W. A. Miller, T. J. Swindall (S.B.R.), Wm. Todd, F. Bigley, F. Horsford, Pte. W. Attley, H. Timpson (S.B.R., Scotland), Corpl. F. Swindall, Pte. Beesley, Pte. S. Banks, J. Hulatt, Rifleman W. Underwood, Gunner J. Bailey, Pte. Frank Letts.

Rushden Echo, 18^th October 1918

Rushden Soldiers’ Thanks - The Moor-Road District

Mrs. Smith, of Montague-street, Rushden, has received many interesting letters in acknowledgement of the gifts from the Roll of Honour for Moor-road, Montague-street, and district, a few samples being appended:-

C. A. Line (Halifax, N.S.): It makes me proud to think I come from Rushden when I look at the “Echo” and see what they are doing all over the town for the boys.

Pte. John Underwood (a prisoner of war) writes from Friedrichsfeld.

Corpl. A. Upton (Somewhere in France): I can’t see this war ending for a good while yet, but I think we have about stopped Jerry from advancing, so it will soon be our turn to have a smash now; then he can look out. (Dated July 17^th).

Gunner Bates, R.G.A.: If Jerry wishes to prolong the war we can give him his “iron rations” (shells) galore.  It is just the boys’ delight to knock h---- out of him, and we do it with a good heart when we know how those at home are doing their best to make Tommy happy.

Pte. S. Underwood: We are looking forward for this year to finish the war.

Pte. S. Richardson: I think it is a credit to the people of Rushden, looking after the lads who are far away from home.

Corpl. F. Swindall: May the time be not far hence when we can all return to dear odd Rushden.

Pte. F. H. Beesley writes that he is just going out to France.

Corpl. R. Ringrose: You already know how much we appreciate what dear old Rushden is doing.

H. Mackness, R.A.M.C.: I am writing this from a convalescent camp.  I am glad to say I am feeling quite well again.  I shall be going back to the line next week.

Rifleman G. E. Greaves, R.B., writes from India.

Gunner W. Taylor, R.F.A.: I have gone into a convalescent hospital for a short time.

Corpl. Newell: It is nice to know someone thinks about the boys in France, and I hope we shall have a speedy return to Blighty.

Other writers include Pte. A. P. Timpson, H. Timpson (S.B.R.), A. H. Johnson, Pte. G. F. Tye, Pte. Attley, Pte. A. C. Gibson, S. Banks, J. C. Wright, Pte. Percival (France), J. Horsford, Frank Letts, Saddler W. Todd, Corpl. W. R. Harrod, etc.