Message from Germany
Rushden Prisoner-of-War Grateful for Parcels Fund Gift

Mr. E. Bennett, hon. secretary of the Rushden Serving Men’s Parcels Fund, has received with surprise and pleasure the following message from Pte. T. King (Northamptonshire Regiment), who is a prisoner of war in Germany:

“I wish to thank you for the money you have forwarded to my mother. It is nice to know that I am not forgotten by you or the people who formed the fund. You may think this card late, but I only knew a week ago.

Pte. King, who was taken prisoner shortly before the evacuation of Dunkirk, is a son of Mr. and Mrs. W. King, 15 Trafford-road, Rushden. His message came on a postcard from one of the German camps.

Good-Hearted Rushden
“Boys” Write Home to Parcels Fund Committee
Hundreds of letters from the “boys” have poured in following the July distribution of 5s. postal orders by the Rushden Serving Men’s Parcels Fund. What the gifts mean to the Rushden lads on war service is apparent from a few messages forwarded by Mr. E. Bennett (hon. Secretary).

“A soldier’s allowance,” writes a sapper in the Royal Engineers, “isn’t a lot to get you through a week, especially these days with ‘cigs’ such a high price, so I think I shall be speaking for all serving men in the Forces when I say how greatly we appreciate your donation.

“It pleases me when I receive the ‘Rushden Echo’ and read of the good work being done by the good-hearted people at home. It has always been the same in Rushden; whenever a dance or fete was held in aid of the hospitals or any other charity you could rest assured of a magnificent response from the townspeople, whether rich or poor.”

An infantryman writes: “Apart from the amount given to me, it’s the thought that we are not forgotten whilst we are away from home that I alike also. It’s a link with dear old Rushden and the happy days spent there, and God grant they may soon return for all of us. I like the very aptly put verse of poetry – it suits the times perfectly.”

An artilleryman sends his thanks and adds: “We must not underestimate how much time is being spent by the hard-working people of the town who help to provide us lads with a few comforts.”

They Killed the Fatted Calf
Rushden Meets Rushden in South Africa
Just a few lines to thank you and the committee of the Serving Men’s Parcels Fund for the Postal Orders I have received from time to time since I have been in this country,” writes George A. Watson of Rushden, in a letter from South Africa to Mr. E. Bennett. “When they come it makes me think of all the good people in Rushden, who I rate as good as any in the world.

“We are very busy out here, and I enjoy it very much. The weather is grand – sunshine nearly all the year round. I have just had fourteen days’ leave with a Rushden man, Mr. Fred Geary, who has a brother and sister who live in Park-avenue. He killed the fatted calf for me and gave me a good time, and we had a good talk about Rushden.

“I should like to express my deepest sympathy with all parents who have lost their gallant sons, some of whom were my greatest pals, in the western war. I do hope they have had better news by the time you receive this letter.

“I see by the good old “Echo and Argus” that you have had some good concerts at Rushden this winter.”

George Watson’s home is at 17, Harborough-road, Rushden.