Rushden Echo, 11 May 1917, transcribed by Gill Hollis

The Committee of the Newton-road, Pratt-road, and Robinson-road Roll of Honour have sent 3s. to each of the 50 lads abroad.  This week they are sending 2s. each to the 40 or 50 lads who are in training, etc. in England.  Mrs. L. Perkins, the secretary, has received many letters of thanks from the recipients.  Among the letters is one from Pte. S. G. Hardwick, of 25, Pratt-road, now with the B.E.F. in France, who writes: “It is very good of you and the people of your district to get this splendid Roll of Honour, showing us lads that the people at home are still thinking of us, as we think of them.  I think it will be a very good thing for Rushden and its public to show, after the war, what they have done for its soldier sons.  I am pleased to say I am quite well.”  Sapper H. Cirsley, R.E., now in France, who formerly worked for Mr. W. Packwood, writes: “What can be better than to know that we are always in the thoughts of our friends at home.  I have had a photo of the Roll of Honour sent to me from home.  I can see it must be a handsome piece of work.  It was most kind of Mr. Packwood to present it to the streets.”  From R. W. Bonner: “I am proud to think I am registered on the Roll of Honour.  It is nice to feel, when so far away, that residents of one’s own district are working hand in hand with us out here.  I receive the local paper each week, and regret to see that so many Rushden soldiers have been killed and wounded, and it is nice to think that they are not forgotten.  We are of one mind here that the war will be over before this year ends.”

A deeply impressive memorial service, which was attended by a large gathering, was held on Sunday evening at the Newton-road Roll of Honour. The service was in memory of the seven men who have made the supreme sacrifice for their country - Geo. H Britchford, Frank Chambers, and Charles Dilley of Pratt-road, Tom Cook, Raymond Percival and Harry Tew, Newton-road, and Charles H Bunning of Robinson-road. After singing the hymn "Oft in danger," - a favourite of one of the boys - prayers were offered and a portion of the 11th chapter of St John's was read by the Rector, the Rev P Robson. Miss Evelyn Harlow sang very sympathetically the hymn "Nearer my God to thee" after which a sympathetic and helpful address was given by the Rector on the words "Let not your heart be troubled." The hymn "Jesu, Lover of my soul" was heartily sung to the tune "Aberystwyth", and the Rev P J Richards addressed the gathering on the words "To live in Christ, to die is gain", urging his hearers to do what they could to share and lessen the troubles of others. Absent friends were remembered in the singing of the hymn "Holy Father, in they mercy", and after the National Anthem had been sung the "Last Post" was sounded by the bugles of the Church Lad's Brigade of which Charles H Bunning was a member. A collection was taken and realised 25s. Beautiful flowers had been placed on the "Roll" for the occasion. Miss E Attley presided at the piano, which was kindly lent by Mrs C Ette. Fortunately the storm held off until all the people had gone.

Rushden Echo, 29th June 1917, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Rushden Boys With The Colours
The Newton-Road District - “Roll of Honour” Gifts

Mrs. L. Perkins, the secretary of the Newton-road, Robinson-road, and Pratt-road Roll of Honour, has received a further batch of letters from the boys who have had gifts from the Committee.

Corpl. A. E. Sturgess, D Co., 3^rd Northants Regiment, writes: “In my camp there are quite a lot of Rushden lads.  They are all looking forward to the time when this terrible war will finish, and then the same words again – “Good old Rushden.”

From “Somewhere in France,” C. W. Smith writes: I receive the “Rushden Echo” weekly and have read with interest the correspondence caused by these Rolls of Honour.  There can be no question of sectarianism attached to a memorial which includes all citizens.

Pte. B. Farrar, writing from the East, says: I don’t think much of this country so far.  Where we came from to where we are now, I think, would be about 120 miles or more, and you can see nothing but sand and sand-hills.  It is about the same as Yelden Open Fields, so you can guess what it must look like to us.  No house to look at.  I had a look through the field-glass at Gaza, and I think it would be a nice place.  You have heard about the fighting out here.  On March 26^th and 27^th the troops had a hard time of it, I can tell you.  Some could not get any water, and the heat made it worse for them.  Thank God, we can get more water now, and that is the main thing out here.  The second time our Battalion went into action we had a lot of wounded.  Some of the Turks say they have not got any food, but they keep on fighting, but it is the Germans who keep them on the go.  I think we have got all sorts on this front to fight against, but we shall win.  I should just like the Rushden people to see some of them.  I shall be glad when it is all over, and I do not think it can last much longer with the good news we have from France, but we are quite happy.  This morning I was speaking to some of the Welsh boys who were billeted at Rushden, and they say what a good time they had.

Corporal L. Clark, R.G.A., B.E.F., France: This idea adopted by the ladies of Rushden is one of the best methods of helping the boys on active service that has come to my notice, and must, I am sure, be most highly appreciated by all who, like myself, are benefitting by it.

Driver J. Knight, R.E., with the B.E.F.: You would hardly know how it cheers me up to know that the people we left behind still think of the lads who are fighting for the country. We have had it very rough just lately, but we have come out on top and have advanced to Palestine.  It is dreadfully hot out here, and we are almost eaten with the flies.  I have been out in Egypt 15 months, and I don’t believe it has rained eight times.

Pte. P. Ball: I wish you and your helpers every success in your wonderful work.

G. H. Rice, late drummer at the Rushden Palace, writes: Your card and postal order arrived yesterday, and came as a most welcome surprise.  It is impossible for you to understand the feelings of a recipient of a present from one’s friends whilst out in this far-away and outlandish country.  Such remembrance on the part of those at Rushden gives me the greatest pleasure and renews the bonds of friendship between us.  The average soldier will look with pride across the seas to see his name imprinted upon the shrines, and this fact enables him to give his best.  My own feelings are practically those of every recipient of the gift, and even for its sentimental value alone it was indeed extremely welcome.  I have just visited three of the Rushden boys in hospital, and am pleased to say they are very comfortable; also many of the R.W.F. boys who were billeted at Rushden.

The Rushden Echo Friday 27 July 1917

Soldiers' Thanks - The Newton Road District - "Rushden People most Generous"
"Rushden the Finest Place I have Lived in"

Mrs L Perkins, the secretary of the Newton-road, Robinson-road, and Pratt-road, Roll of Honour, has received further letters from the Rushden lads who are with the colours, thanking the committee for the gifts.

Pte J Brown, East Surrey Regt, BEF: I am sure your good work will not be forgotten when the war is over, which I hope will not be long.

Pte S Percival, London Scottish: I have seen two of the boys of the Newton-road district and we all appreciate the gifts very much.

Soldiers' Thanks - The Newton Road District - 'Rushden People most Generous'
'Rushden the Finest Place I have Lived in'

Mrs L Perkins, the secretary of the Newton-road, Robinson-road, and Pratt-road, Roll of Honour, has received further letters from the Rushden lads who are with the colours, thanking the committee for the gifts.

Drummer R. F Smith, Northants Regiment, Convalescent Depot, B.E.F.: How can I start to thank you for your second gift from the Roll of Honour Committee and helpers? Really, you seem to know just when to send it. Now I am away from all the terrible fighting and bloodshed, and I am very glad, I can tell you. What a terrible affair this last raid was. It is past words. Also they will come again, in larger numbers. Still, we must try and bear it with a good sound heart and actually walk about, laughing and joking, as though in the olden days. May God bless and reward you for all good works you have done towards the welfare of your once “troublesome little school-boys” – the boys who used to play round the street lamps when the good, kind neighbours wanted to get a few minutes’ peace at night. They used to bless (?) us then. Ah, but what a different kind of “bless” they bless us with now.

James Pennis writes: although I am so far from home I have been able to follow the Street Shrines movement through the medium of the “Rushden Echo”. It is only those who have been in the thick of it that realise the full value of the shrines because we have seen lads who have been our comrades give their lives, their all, in the service of their country. I think it only right and fitting that they all should be recognised in this way for posterity.

A. Holley: We are about to go in action again, and we are going down the line, but, although the Huns try hard I don’t think they will retake it in a hurry. I have been out here just over a year, and, of course, I, like the other fellows, have seen enough of war and will pleased to see the end. I shall also welcome the leave which I hope to get after a while. It will be fine to see Blighty again after so long in the line.

Pte. A. Davis writes from Khartoum: I am in hospital with lumbago and sciatica. On the Peninsular we had to sleep in our wet clothes every night, and this station is scorching hot. This is a nice clean place. It is not like Lower Egypt. I am glad the people of Rushden think about us. We are better off than the poor boys in France.

Pte. E. H. Hodgkins 30138 Northants Regiment: I have been laid up in hospital in Kent for the past three months, but am glad to say I am improving rapidly.

Lance-Corpl. H. E. Bollard, Northants Regiment: I am somewhere in Palestine, right away from anywhere. They say it is the land that flows with milk and honey, but we have not come across the flow yet. We came across something on April 19th, which I dare say you have heard something about.

C. W. Smith: I have to send the grateful answers of the boys who have benefitted under this grand scheme. There are great things doing out here just lately, and we are hoping for one smashing blow which will rid us once and for all of such an enemy before the summer dies.

Pte. Frederick Wm. Barfoot, M.G.C., B.E.F., France: I pray that we may soon have peace and be able to come back to our dear friends at Rushden.

Pte. C. H. Jeeves, B.E.F.: Nothing is more appreciated by the Rushden boys on active service than the knowledge that they are being continually thought of by the friends who have been left behind.

Gunner C. Barker, B.E.F., France: The gifts show how much the people at home think of us, which all helps us to carry on to an early and victorious peace.

Bdr. E. B. Smith: I cannot find words to thnk you and your committee for the second present. I am pleased to say I am quite well, and that is half the battle.

Corporal L. Clark, R.G.A., B.E.F., France: The ladies of Rushden, in addition to “keeping the home fires burning” are helping the boys in a most practical manner.

Pte. F. H. Page, W. Yorks Regiment: From letters published in the “Rushden Echo” some of us are able to see what the boys of the town are doing, as now I do not often see a lad from Rushden.

Pte. S. G. Hardwick, Northants. Regt., B.E.F., France: I feel proud to have my name inscribed on the Roll of Honour and all the others must have the same feeling, according to their letters to you.

Pte H. Denton, C. Coy. Northants Regiment: We are in Palestine and we are having some very hot weather. We have been in a lot of fighting out here this last few weeks, and my regiment has lost a few men, and I think there are a few wounded from Rushden, who used to go to the Newton-road school.

J.B. Langdon: I should love to be home before another two months are over. Still, we must do our best, and bring this terrible war to an end as soon as possible.

Ernest C. Catling, B.E.F.: Although I was not born in Rushden, I think it is the finest place I have ever lived in, and I am sure the people of Rushden are most generous.

Pte. H. Tebbutt writes that he was one of Lieut. Perkins’s old squad at Rushden.

Pte. F. W. Barfoot, M.G.C., B.E.F., France: It is very good of the dear people of our good old town of Rushden to think of us lads out here. I was in hospital after the advance of June 7th, but I am glad to say I am back again with the boys. I am sorry to hear that one of the Robinson-road boys is missing – Lance-Corporal Drage. I saw it in the “Rushden Echo” which I receive from home. I feel very sorry for his parents and sincerely hope they will receive better news.

Jesse Partridge, France: I am well and in good spirits in spite of the hardships of a soldier’s life. I expect we shall be busy in this part of the line soon. I hope it will soon be over, and the dreadful slaughter cease. I think everybody had had enough of it, and I don’t think the end is far off now.

E. Taylor: I suppose you have read about the great successes lately but it is very hard to say when it will end, but, like others, I am hoping very soon, though not until we have beaten the Huns.

Pte. H. Scroxton, France: We are out in billets now. I have seen some very rough times out here, and it is nice to be out for a rest.

First A/M. P. T. Hill writes from the military hospital at Catterick.

Pte. Harold Lawman T.R.B.: I came out of hospital on Thursday, after undergoing an operation, and am now spending a few days at home on sick leave.

Pte. J. T. Brown, East Surrey Regt., B.E.F.: I am sure your good work will not be forgotten when this war is over, which I hope will not be long.

Pte. S. Percival, London Scottish: I have seen two of the boys of the Newton-road district, and we all appreciate the gifts very much.

Pte. Fred G. Haddon, Essex Regt.: Now that I am safe in England again, my mind is very often with the boys of Rushden and the rest of them that are out there, fighting for us. When I read of that large mine going up south of Ypres I knew what the lads were having to contend with. It must have been worse than the battle of Arras that I was in, and that was quite bad enough.

Pte. T. Taylor Leinster Regt.: I am sorry to see so many of the Rushden boys have fallen. I am sure Rushden has done its bit. We are getting on with the war bit by bit, and trust to see the end of it this summer.

Letters acknowledging the gifts were also received from F. Harrison, F. C. Litchfield, Frank Tassell, R. W. Bonner, C. Clark, C. R. B. Neville, S. G. Wildman, Wm. Rich, Corpl. E. Boyce, T. Reeves, L. Clark, E. T. Lowe, I. Scroxton and others.

Rushden Soldier’s Gratitude - Newton Road District Roll of Honour - Appreciation of Gifts

Mrs. L. Perkins, secretary of the Newton-road, Robinson-road, and Pratt-road Roll of Honour at Rushden, has received another batch of letters from the lads at home and abroad, acknowledging the receipt of a further gift of postal orders. From the letters we take the following extracts:-

Enclosing his portrait, Drummer R. F. Smith, Northants Regiment, in a convalescent depot, B.E.F., says: I am senind this small photograph to you to try to show you a little of my gratitude for the kindness that has been shown to me by the Roll of Honour scheme. Kindest regards to my dear kind schoolmaster.

Gunner F. S. Clarke, R.A. Command Depot: This kindess will never be forgotten by the boys who are at present benefitting by it.

Pte. A. R. Hodgkins, M.T., A.S.C.: I am sure all the lads, especially those in the trenches, appreciate the good work you and the people of Rushden are doing for us.

Pte. T. Britchford: You seem to be having a very bad time at home just now with air raids, and I, for one, say we should do the same on German towns. Why should we study Germany, as she does not study others? Bombs, bombs, tons of bombs, and put the fear of the devil in her as the fear of God she does not know.

Ernest F. Baker, E.E.F.: I had never expected such a gift so soon after the first. It is indeed a striking proof of the real and continuous interest in us who are away from home. The war seems to have taught us al a deeper meaning of the word “practical”, and to help each other a common motive in life. The heat here is quite tolerable, and the sea breezes a daily refresher. The only trouble we have here in our small dispensary, made of sandbags and corrugated iron, are the flies by day and the tormenting mosquitoes by night. We all speak of England now, this month of July reminds us so much of the beauties of home. Was it not Kipling, in his “Broken Man”, who said:- “Ah, God! One sniff of England to greet our flesh and blood”.

Pte. B. Pendered: “Reserve” Northants Regiment: Your most welcome gift comes in very handy in Army life.

Gunner J. Surridge: It is always pleasant to know that one is thought of by those at home, and to know that, whether in England or France, or elsewhere, an interest is taken in our welfare.

Who’ll Buy My Lavender?—Reggie and Bernard Langdon (aged four and five respectively) have earned 3s. 6d. for Newton-road Roll of Honour, by selling bunches of lavender, kindly given them by Mrs. Tusting.

Newton-Road District Roll of Honour – Appreciation of Gifts

Mrs. L. Perkins, secretary of the Newton-road, Robinson-road, and Pratt-road Roll of Honour at Rushden, has received another batch of letters from the lads at home and abroad, acknowledging the receipt of a further gift of postal orders. From the letters we take the following extracts:-

Pte. W. Groom, Northants Regiment, says he has been transferred to a Labour Company, but is still doing police duty.

L. Knibbs: I was home a fortnight ago and saw the Roll of Honour for the first time. I think it is a fine piece of work, and it will be a fine memorial, in years to come, to those who have given their lives. The poor fellows do not get much to mark their grave out in France, and I am sure the money sent out to the lads will be very much appreciated.

Pte. J. C. Wilson, Northants Regt.: I am once more free of hospital, and I hope I can remain free of them now, as I have spent a good time in them, on and off, since I was wounded in October, 1915.

Trumpeter G. E. Norris, A.V.C., acknowledges a second postal order, and says it is nice for the boys away from home to know they are remembered.

Pte. H. Tear, writing from Scotland, says: There are only two other Rushden fellows here that I have seen so far. I think we going to be moved into England soon. Articles here are very dear – about twice as much as they are in Rushden, so that if one wants to have a “fling” he is soon going to spend his shilling a day.

Pte. S. Bunning, Infantry Battalion: I have seen the “Rushden Echo” every week, and I see that almost every street has its war shrine, which means that they still think of the lads who are doing their bit. There are a lot of Rushden boys down here (Essex), some of them from the Newton-road district. They have seen the Roll of Honour, and they all say it is a very nice one.

Writing on the anniversary of the war, Gunner C. Maddams, R.G.A.: I pray we don’t see another year of war, and I know those of you are at home are of the same opinion. It cheers one up a bit to know that someone at home is thinking about us out here, and were it not for that fact I think we should sometimes lose heart.

Sapper A. Winson, in France: My sincere thanks to you and the committee, and if I get back to Rushden safely I shall make a point of thanking you personally. I am pleased to say I am in the best of health, but I shall be glad when the war is all over. I think we are giving Fritz something to be going on with.

Pte. R. E. James, Middlesex Regt.: We have had rain all the week, and we cannot move for the mud.

Pte. F. G. Haddon, Essex Regt.: I am in France once again. Someone has got to do it, and I suppose I shall have to do my bit as well as others.

Pte. A. Curtis, Northants Regt.: I feel proud that my name is on the Roll of Honour.

O.S. L. Clark: I have been reading in the “Rushden Echo” the letters from the lads from various fronts, how they appreciate your good work, and how you have cheered them up with the thought that though they are far away they have not been forgotten by their townsfolk, and those they hold dear in the good old home, Rushden. May the time speedily come when this terrible tragedy will be over and the boys come back to settle down in peace and quietness.

Pte. William Scholes, T.R.B.: We get up some decent concerts in our canteen hall. I have started to play in our small orchestra on the ‘cello.

Pte. B. Knight, Suffolk Regt. (in camp): It has been raining here for four days, and our camp is flooded all over, but we are quite dry in our tents. The canteens are all torn in half by the strong winds.

Pte. A. Spencer, -- Infantry Batt: I have been to a few places since I have been in the Army, but I have not yet been to a place that comes up to Rushden. There are about 15 Rushden lads down here, in different battalions, and one of the first questions we ask when we meet is “Have you heard from the War Shrine lately?”.

Driver J. Knight, in Egypt: From the “Rushden Echo” I see there are a lot of Rushden fellows in Egypt, but I am sorry to say I have not run into anyone for over six months now. It is awfully hot out here, and we hardly know how to walk about for the heat. I shall be glad when this terrible war is over, for it almost breaks my heart when I read in the “Rushden Echo” of so many young lads that are going under, and the biggest part of these are our own mates.

Pte. H. Lawman, Queen’s Regt.: I am going out to France for a second time, and I am going with a good heart, knowing that we are not forgotten by the people of Rushden.

Bandsman Harry Rice (Egypt): We are going to entertain the troop in the active zone, and I hope to meet many Rushden boys.

Letters of thanks have also been received from A. Drage, R.N. Ambulance train; Pte. J. F. Wallace; Driver J. A. Owen, R.E.; P. Percival, Northants Regt.; Pte. S. Smith, Suffolk Yeomanry; Gunner Short, in France; E. Wadsworth, from an aerodrome; Charles W. Ette, R.F.C.; Pte. C. F. Clark; Harry Bollard; W. H. Holyoak, A.S.C., M.T.; Pte. T. Taylor; A/M. P. Hill.

In France—Writing to Mrs. L. Perkins, secretary of the Newton-road Roll of Honour, Pte. Jesse Partridge, now in France says:- "I am at present in the sector where the great advance has taken place and where our Brigade has been for the past five months, so you can imagine we have seen ‘some’ fighting. Inverness Copse, Sanctuary Wood, and Polyglon Wood, which you have read about so much in the papers lately, are quite familiar spots to me, and if you people at Rushden could only see these places you would marvel at the magnitude of our latest victory. Of course, it has meant many two o’clock reveilles for us, but we ‘carry on’ bravely and cheerfully, knowing that the time is not far distant when some of us will gather round the war shrines of Rushden with feelings of thankfulness to God for His goodness and kindness to us in giving us the victory over the powers of militarism and barbarity which at one time threatened the world. But, thanks be to God, those powers are waning fast, and through the gloom we can see the light of victory. My message is ‘Keep the home fires burning’, for the boys will soon be home. I feel that Rushden is the place I won’t want to leave when once I land there".

The Committee of the Newton-road Roll of Honour have sent 5s. to each of the 62 boys on the list who are serving abroad and 2s.8d to the 42 boys still in England. The 2s. 8d. for each of the 104 boys was from the garden fete fund, and the committee made up the remainder of the money sent abroad, to save the postage of a second remittance.

Newton Road Soldiers—Mrs L Perkins, secretary of the Newton-road and Pratt-road Roll of Honour, has received further letters of gratitude from the recipients of the war shrine gifts, the following being extracts:- Pte A Davies (Upper Nile) writes, “I am very glad to tell you that I am quite well again and at my duty. I have received the registered letter containing 5s. The committee must be working hard for us. There are in this regiment English, Irish, Scotch and Welsh, including some of the Welsh boys who were billeted at Rushden, and they say ‘Good old Rushden! They think more of the soldiers there than any place on earth’.” Pte T Britchford says: “My heartiest congratulations to Mr Perkins on his appointment as Staff-Captain. I hope we shall be able in the near future to enjoy peace and freedom again.” Ernest F Baker, who forwards some interesting photographs of the Nile, writes: “My surroundings are a little more congenial now than when I last heard from you, having left the line in August with a wretched attack of malaria. I am now on the staff of a very nice hospital 15 miles from Cairo. From our balcony one gets a fine view of the Pyramids and the sinding Nile, bordered with beautiful green foliage. We have managed some donkey-rides these last few moonlight nights, and the picture seen on the banks of the Rover Nile is indeed glorious. Things are very active here just now, and I have just heard that at last Gaza has fallen”.

Newton Rd, Robinson Rd, and Pratt Rd. Roll of Honour
The Winning Numbers for the Corresponding Number Competition are: First 1683 Second 1338 Third 1252

Prizes to be claimed not later than Dec. 29th from Mrs L Perkins.

Messrs Ainge, Espin and Smith, who were present at the drawing, wish to state that everything was done satisfactorily.

A postal order for 3s. has been sent to 105 Soldiers and Sailors whose names are on the Roll, for Christmas.

Newton-Road Roll of Honour
Some Rushden Boys with The Colours
All of One Opinion

Mrs. L. Perkins, secretary of the Newton-road, Robinson-road, and Pratt-road Roll of Honour, has received another batch of letters from the soldiers whose names are on the list, acknowledging with thanks the receipt of gifts.  They all express their gratitude.  The following are extracts:-

Pte. T. Reeves, “Somewhere in France”: I see that a lot of the Rushden boys are taken prisoners and that some have been killed.

Pte. R. E. James: I am just out for a rest after a spell in the trenches.

Sapper A. Winson (France): I don’t think the war will last much longer.

Bandsman H. R. Denton: I trust the time is not far distant when we shall be back in Rushden again.

C. Maddams, R.G.A.: I read that you had a good time at the fete for the Rolls of Honour and also at the Red Cross Fete, and it shows what the people of Rushden will do for a good cause.

Pte. B. Pendered (France): The Roll of Honour gifts come in very handy in this rough life, and buy the little extras we need.

C. H. Jeeves (France): I am sure all the Rushden lads serving in H. M. Forces must appreciate the kindness shown by the people at home.

Corpl. L. Clark, R.G.A., B.E.F.: I thank you for the further gift of 5s.  This is the third postal order I have received from you.  Oft-times one is apt to get a wee bit down-hearted, but the knowledge that we are constantly in the thoughts of friends we have left in dear old Blighty cheers one immensely.

Sapper H. Cirsley (France): Rushden is doing a leading part in looking after the lads out here.  When I opened the registered letter the boys gathered round, and I explained where the money came from.  They all told me I was a lucky lad, as there was nothing of the kind going on in their towns.  I have been out here twelve months now.

Harold Lawman: I had just come out of the trenches, and I bought myself some luxuries.

Gunner R. W. Bonner: I have been rather lucky in running across local fellows who are in a regiment we have been in the line with.

Bandsman S. G. Wildman (France): I have a photo of the Roll of Honour, and it looks very nice.

H. Tebbutt: It is very expensive buying little comforts in France, which naturally one needs now and again.

H. H. Chettle: The boys are hoping to have their Christmas dinner this year in Blighty.

Gunner F. S. Clark, R.H.A.: The boys will never forget the kindness of our most sympathising townsfolk.

Pte. E. Taylor: Things are going on very nicely up to now, and I hope this lot will bring an end to it.  I have seen several chaps from Rushden up this way.  I hope we shall all be back again soon.

Pte. G. E. Savage (France): I cannot thank the people of Rushden enough for the good they are doing for the boys.

Corpl. E. Boyce (France): The people of Rushden are some of the best friends of a soldier.

F. W. Barfoot: I have been discharged from hospital, and have arrived in dear old Rushden.  I have also been discharged from the Army as unfit for war service.

A Postal Order for 4s. has been sent to each of the 100 “boys” whose names are on the Newton-road Roll of Honour.

Rushden Echo, 12^th April 1918

THE COMMITTEE – of the Newton-road, Robinson-road, and Pratt-road Roll of Honour have this week sent 3s. each to 101 boys.  The roll was dedicated a year ago (April 14^th, 1917), the Rector, the Vicar of St. Peter’s, and the Rev. C. J. Keeler taking part.  There are now 132 names on the roll, including: Made the great sacrifice, 10; missing, 6; prisoners of war, 2; discharged 4.  No money is sent to the rest.  This is the sixth gift.  Money varying in sums from 2s. to 5s. has been sent at different times, and the gifts are greatly appreciated.  During the year £104 has been raised by weekly collections, whist drives and dances, Roll of Honour fete, and prize drawing and cake, tea, and sugar competitions.  The Committee desire to thank the Editor of the “Rushden Echo” for so kindly publishing the boys’ letters and other announcements from time to time.  Among letters of thanks received recently is one from Mesopotamia (H. Denton) and a card from Bandsman E. B. Smith (a prisoner of war in Germany).

Rushden Echo, 31^st May 1918

Grateful Tommies of Rushden - The Newton-Road District

Mrs. L. Perkins, secretary of the Newton-road, Pratt-road, and Robinson-road Roll of Honour at Rushden, has received another batch of interesting letters from grateful Tommies and Jacks, acknowledging the receipt of postal orders.  The following are a few extracts:-

Corpl. A. L. Haddon, R.G.A.: I am still unfit for service abroad.

Pte. E. H. Hodgkins, Somerset L.I.: Although most eyes are centred upon the Western front, we in Ireland are doing our bit to help win the war.

H. Lenton (France): I think we are drawing to a finish, and hope we shall be back in Blighty before Christmas.

S. G. Hardwick (France): Honestly I doubt if any town is doing more for its soldier sons than Rushden.  On April 28^th I came across Sergt. Hooton, of Newton-road; he is looking well after six month’s hard fighting in the front line.

Gunner F. S. Clark, R.H.A.: Never before have I endured such experiences in this war, and I am fully convinced that the prayers of the people have again been answered and brought us again safely out of the “jaws of death,” which we have been in more than once since the offensive began.

Pte. A. Davis, East Surreys: The comrades with me do not know what I mean when I say that it is money from the Roll of Honour.

Jesse Partridge (France): I have been too busy to write before on account of the bad behaviour of the Boche, who started to rush.  Of course, we, who are “ready for anything,” had to hold him back, and I think we have succeeded; although he has a few miles of flat country, that isn’t the Channel Ports, is it?

A E Sturgen: I am at present in a command depot in Yorkshire for convalescents, and undergoing treatment still, but hope soon to be with my regiment again.

Sergt. E. Boyce (in hospital in Sheffield) writes that he has been wounded in the right leg – the first time he has been wounded after over two years in France.  He was wounded in the battle just outside Amiens.

Drummer R. F. Smith (B.E.F.): You at home will NEVER realise to the full extent what a help the Roll of Honour gifts are to us out here.  For instance, I was wounded near Albert and I hadn’t a copper in my pocket to go to hospital with, and I had dumped all my kit because I couldn’t walk with such a weight on my shoulders.  I was hit with a piece of shrapnel in the right leg, just above the knee, and it was rather painful to walk.  I had to walk about three miles to the dressing-station, and by the time I arrived I was dead beat, but glad to be out of the terrible murder that is still raging.  Try and imagine: the first letter I receive from home contains just what I so desired.  May God bless and reward all those dear ones that are so kind to us boys.  Words cannot express our gratitude, but our hearts can.

Bandsman H. Rice (Egypt): We all out here are ever looking forward to the great day of peace, which may come at any time.

Signaller A. Ainge: I hope the end of the war is a lot nearer than it appears to be.

Pte. B. Chettle: I am sorry to hear that some more of the Rushden men and boys have gone under.

Driver H. Denton writes from Mesopotamia.

Pte. R. E. James: I am pleased to say I have been discharged from hospital and am now at a convalescent camp and am going on well.

Pte. F. H. Page: I assure you that our boys in the line will do their very best to push back the Huns.

A.B. H. Clayton (France): We are just having a few days’ rest after a very trying time, but we keep smiling.

Gunner C. Maddams: We had a warm time a week or two ago.  I am very sorry to hear about so many Rushden boys getting killed and wounded.

Corpl. W. J. Frisby: I am certain that those lads who have fallen will not be forgotten.

R. Groome: I don’t think the end will be long now because it is simply awful out here.

T. Britchford (Palestine): The boys are going strong out here, and are now five miles the other side of the famous river Jordan.  I have been to Jerusalem, and am now stationed about 20 miles from there.  Palestine is a really wonderful country, and I should say one of the most beautiful in the world.  Oranges are very cheap out here, and one can buy ten of 2½d.  Hope this does not set you longing!

Letters have also been received from Pte. T. Taylor, Pte. W. Groom, H. H. Chettle, B. Farrar, F. Reeves, H. Denton, J. Owen, A. Drage, Trumpeter G. E. Norris, P. Percival, 1^st A.M. E. Wadsworth, Pte. H. E. Bollard, H. Willey, Pte. J. E. Wilson, Gunner J. Surridge, Pte. G. Colburn, F. Harrison, Pte. J. Odell, Pte. H. Tebbutt, Bandsman S. G. Wildman, Pte. S. Savage, Driver C. R. B. Neville, and Pte. F. L. Scholes.