The Rifle Band gave a very fine programme in Spencer Park on Sunday afternoon in aid of the Northamptonshire Prisoners of War Fund. A good company assembled and the music was greatly enjoyed. Mr. C. H. Baker conducted. A very effective item on the programme was the one "To the memory of the brave", which includes some well-known hymn tunes appropriate to the piece.

The Sum of £5/5/0 has been sent from the employees’ collection at the C.W.S. boot factory at Rushden to the Northants Prisoners of War Fund. Mr. W. H. Holloway, of Northampton, hon. treasurer of the fund, has written in acknowledgement, stating that the money shall be spent in parcels for the eleven prisoners of war belonging to Rushden, and that cards shall be enclosed in the parcels stating that the recipients are indebted to the Rushden C.W.S. workpeople for the gifts. Mr. W. Durham, of the C.W.S. works, has received a postcard from one of the prisoners, Pte. John Underwood, which reads as follows: "Dear Sir,—It has just come to my knowledge that the parcels I am receiving through the ‘Northampton Independent’ are being paid for by your society, and I must thank you, and also the society, for their kindness towards me. I hope you will please accept my humble way in which I show my gratitude towards you. Again thanking you, sincerely yours, J. Underwood".

Rushden Prisoners of War

To the Editor of the Rushden Echo
Dear Sir, I have been asked to try and arrange for some systematic collection in Rushden on behalf of Northamptonshire prisoners of war in Germany. As your readers are aware, there is a “County Fund” for this object, of which Mr W H Holloway, of Northampton, is the hon. Treasurer, but up to now there are several populous places in the county which have made no regular or special contribution to it.

I learn that there are at least 13 or 14 Rushden soldiers at present in prison camps in the enemy country, and I believe that for some time a parcel has been sent weekly to each of them from the headquarters at Northampton. The cost of a parcel is 3s., and all the labour of packing and forwarding is done by voluntary helpers.

Kettering has worked with marked success for this object, and has hitherto kept the list of Rushden prisoner soldiers, as well as that of several of the larges places and many of the smaller villages in the district, and, what is more, has subscribed sufficient to defray the cost of the parcels sent to them, and this in addition to similarly providing for some 34 men of its own town who are also prisoners.

It will, I think, be agreed that we in Rushden should at least collect enough cash to provide for parcels to be sent to our own townsmen, and I believe it is a duty which will be cheerfully taken up.

If any who are willing to help will communicate with me, I shall be pleased, and will, if necessary, endeavour to explain the matter further.

I am,
Yours sincerely,
C L Bradfield
Rushden, Sept. 14th 1916.

Rushden Echo, July 20th 1917, transcribed by Kay Collins

The Sum of 30s., raised by Mr. Barker of 42, Oakley-road, Rushden, in aid of the Prisoners of War Fund, has been forwarded to Mr. C. L. Bradfield, the hon. Secretary. Mr. Barker raised the money by the sale of pretty models of Red Cross Ambulance Wagons, etc., made in his spare time.

The Committee of the Rushden Prisoners of War Relief Fund would be grateful for contributions from organisers of entertainments, etc., as it now necessary to raise at least £100 per month for the maintenance of prisoners of war belonging to the town. Payments should be sent to either of the hon. Secretaries (Mr C L Bradfield and Mr Oliver Claridge), or to the treasurer (Mr W M Hensman, Capital and Counties Bank, Rushden).

A Flag Day, organised by the local Prisoner of War Committee on behalf of the funds, was held on Saturday, and was very successful, upwards of £35 being raised. Mrs Walter Robinson was responsible for the organisation of the effort, and the various districts which were under her supervision raised the following amounts: No 1 (Mrs Woodward) £7 10s. 5d.; No 2 (Mrs Chambers) £9 19s. 1d.; No 3 (Mrs Dyke) £13 6s.; No 4 (Mrs Perkins) £4 18s. 10d. The receipts were checked by Mr H O Miller and Mr A T Chambers.

The Rushden Echo, 21^st December, 1917, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Northamptonshire Regimental Prisoners’ of War Fund
(Registered under the War Charities’ Act.
The Officially Approved Organisation for supplying all Prisoners of the Northants Regiment.)

Urgent Need for Further Support
(An Official Appeal)

  The large increase in the number of local prisoners of war has created an urgent need for much greater and more systematic support of the Northamptonshire Regimental Prisoners of War Fund.  Hitherto this fund has been supported by comparatively few subscribers, but we felt that it should now be the care and concern of all sections of the community in town and county.

  The calamity to our County Regiment in the Battle of the Dunes has increased the number of prisoners supported by our fund to 650, all of whom rely entirely upon it for food and other necessities, costing no less than £480 a week.  This sudden and unexpected additional call upon us has not only exhausted the resources of the fund but has left a serious deficit.  Unless in the near future an assured and largely increased income is forthcoming the fund cannot continue its good work.

  The best way the public can come to the rescue in raising this £480 a week is by supporting the system of adoption already in vogue and which the Committee hope to extend.  The sum of £3 per month will keep a prisoner properly supplied with parcels every few days to the following extent:

60lbs. of provisions           )
26lbs. of bread                 ) per
1lb. of tea                        ) month
Cigarettes or tobacco, etc. )

  We therefore earnestly appeal not only to individual subscribers, but to firms, parishes, schools, and organisations throughout town and county to co-operate in this scheme.  We are pleased to add that already the Northampton No. 1 and No. 2 Branches of the Boot and Shoe Operatives’ Union have recommended the adoption of eight men at a cost of £24 a month.  Parishes and firms may select any particular prisoner or prisoners of the Northamptonshire Regiment in whom they may be interested.  Parcels will go out in their name, and the soldier who receives them will thereby know to whom he is indebted for the gifts.  Thus there will be a direct link between the prisoners and the adopters.  The necessary parcels will be all the more acceptable to our suffering heroes by the comforting proofs they provide that they are being kept in remembrance by those at home who are reaping the benefits of their services and sacrifices, for let us not forget that these 650 men have lost their liberty in our defence.

In The Hands of The Huns

  “Germany has stooped to acts towards her prisoners of war which will surely indelibly stain her military history, and which vie with the barbarous savagery of the Dervishes.” (The late Lord Kitchener in the House of Lords, April 27^th, 1915).

  We are able to enjoy freedom from the horrors of invasion to the extent we do to-day through the heroism of such men as these.  Over two hundred prisoners were captured in the memorable retreat from Mons, fighting against overwhelming hordes of Huns, who, but for their bravery, might now have been masters of Europe.  These imprisoned heroes have been behind barbed wire for three years suffering pitiful hardships and humiliations, worked almost to exhaustion, and drinking the cup of bitterness to the very dregs.  The poor boys count on our parcels, not only as a means to keep their body and soul together, but as the only break in the monotony of their prison life, which saves them from unutterable despair.  Proofs of this are abundant in the assurances of exchanged prisoners that the parcels stood between them and starvation, and they speak not only for themselves but for their comrades who are still in captivity.

  After the noble deeds of our County Regiment, shall we allow our prisoners to feel neglected?

  Shall it be said that Northamptonshire could not or would not provide for its own sons in captivity?

  Surely the answer will be most emphatically NO.

  We have sufficient faith in the never failing generosity of the local public to feel confident that now the greatness of the need is known, the response will be worthy of this good old county and the spirit and the sacrifices of the men upon whom the money is to be expended.

  Ever since April, 1915, we have been able to keep them so well supplied that prisoners have said and written over and over again that none were better provided for than the men of our Regiment, and that other prisoners have envied them and wished they too had belonged to the Northamptons.  We earnestly appeal that we may be enabled to sustain the reputation.  It is a solemn duty we have to fulfil not only to the poor prisoners, but to ourselves.  Other towns and other counties with fewer prisoners are raising large sums for their own sons, and we too must not be found wanting in our sympathy to and support of those who

A J Chown (Mayor of Northampton), President of the Fund;
W H Holloway, 14, Guildhall Road, Northampton, Hon. Treasurer;

To whom all offers of help should be addressed.

All subscriptions towards the maintenance of prisoners of war from Rushden and district should be sent to Mr. C. L. Bradfield, “Elmham,” Rushden.

The Splendid Sum of £12 11s. 2d. was raised by the invitation dance organized by Miss Joan Heygate and held on Boxing Night in the Public Hall. This amount has been forwarded to Mr. C. L. Bradfield for the Rushden Prisoners of War Fund.

Volunteer Dance—A most successful gathering took place in the Public Hall last night, when a dance was held, promoted by the Rushden Company of Volunteers. The hall was prettily decorated with flags lent by Mr. W. A. Evans, of the Victoria Hotel, and Mr. F. L. Heygate, and the plants by Messrs. Seckington & Son. The proceeds were in aid of the Rushden Prisoners of War funds and a fund for providing a permanent memorial for the Volunteer Members who had made the great sacrifice. The efficient orchestral band consisted of Miss Attley (piano), Messrs. C. Woods and S. Whitworth (violins), E. E. Whitworth (cornet), H. Holland (’cello), and W. Lockie (bass). The duties of M.C.’s were in the capable hands of Lieut. F. Sargent and Mr. W. Chamberlain. Mr. C. L. Bradifeld and Mr. O. Claridge (secretaries of the Rushden prisoners of War Fund) attended, and during a brief interval in the proceedings Mr. Bradfield expressed appreciation of such a noble response for such a worthy and deserving object. Rushden had undertaken the task of supplying the necessary funds for their boys’ parcels, etc. The number of Rushden prisoners was 44 which necessitated an expenditure of £120 per month. The Committee were well pleased with the way in which money was being supplied for the fund and they had the great satisfaction of knowing that they were maintaining their own boys who had the misfortune to be prisoners. He thanked them for their attendance, which proved their sympathy with the movement. He then presented the entrance tickets corresponding number prizes:- Ladies (a hand bag), Miss Gladys Ingram (No. 9); gentlemen (pair of boots), Mr. J. Tye (No.138). Lieut. G. R. Turner also thanked the ladies who had rendered such valuable assistance and all who had taken part for the success of the gathering. Lieut. Turner specially eulogised the work of Mrs. Frank Sargent and Miss Wilson for their energetic efforts, and Mrs. Bradsmore, Mrs. Robert Cunnington, and others. Lieut. Sargent spoke on behalf of the ladies, and said it had been a pleasure for them to work for so deserving a cause. The winning number in the gentlemen’s boot competition was 312, and for the tray-cloth 522. Nearly all the Volunteers were present in uniform, giving the function quite a military appearance. The wounded soldiers at the Higham V.A.D. Hospital were invited, but were unable to accept, as they had a concert. The total proceeds will be about £20.

The Scholars of the North End Council School (mixed department) put their savings together and raised the splendid sum of £4 17s. 0d. for the Rushden Prisoners of War Fund. There was keen rivalry between the classes as to which should come out on top.

Sergt. Joe Mitchell, of the Dunster Force, writing from Mesopotamia to Mr. C. L. Bradfield, one of the secretaries of the Rushden Prisoners of War Fund, says: “I have just received a ‘Rushden Echo’ from my wife, and I see you have had a concert for the Rushden boys who have the misfortune to be prisoners of war. I should like to add something to the fund, so if you go or send round to my home, taking this letter, Mrs. Mitchell will give you £1 on my behalf.” Sergt. Mitchell is the well-known boxer.

Some fine pictures in water colours and oils, painted by Mr. J. F. Lovell, R.A., Inspector of Boots for the War Office, will shortly be exhibited in Rushden on behalf of the town Prisoners of War Fund. Mr. Lovell is a native of Higham Ferrers, but resided in Rushden, where he is well known, for the greater part of his early life. In addition to his gifts as a painter, he is also a poet of no mean merit. Verses of his have appeared in the "Rushden Echo" on several occasions. Mr. Lovell has generously lent the above mentioned pictures for exhibition on behalf of the funds.

A Musical Meeting in aid of the Prisoners of War Fund was held at the Salvation Army Hall on Monday, the sum of £1 13s. 6d. being raised. Mr. W. P. Orrell presided.

Rushden Prisoners of War - Success of The Carnival and Fete
Though the balance sheet is not made up, it is now seen that the carnival parade and fete held at Rushden on Saturday, August 24th, in aid of the Rushden Prisoners of War Fund, was as great a success financially as in other ways, and the organisers and workers, one and all, are to be heartily congratulated on the splendid results of their labours.

The arch over the approach to Rushden Hall, bearing the mottos "Success to the Fete" and "God save the King," was well thought out by Mr.Thos. F. B. Newberry, organiser of the flower, vegetable, fur, and feather show. Northamptonshire War Agricultural Committee have allocated three certificates of merit for food production in connection with the vegetable show, and these certificates, which bear the Royal Arms in colours and which are issued under the auspices of the Food Production Department—have been awarded by the judges to Mr. W. Kitchener, of Olney, Mr. F. Taylor, of Irchester, and Mr. A. H. Sartoris, of Rushden Hall.

Among the collectors of revenue at the fete was a large white "Billy" goat with gilded horns. The animal was led about by Mr. "Roddy" Ripley, the eighteen-year-old son of the late Colonel Ripley, who "pushed" his collecting box among the visitors with determined persistence. The goat was the mascot of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, and when the regiment went out to the front it was provided with a good home at Rushden Hall, where Mr. Sartoris has kept it ever since.

The World's Fair Committee comprised the following: Messrs. J. Woods, C. Kendall, J. Nunley, A. Trussler, T. Goodwin, D. Baldrey, J. Garley, J. Sprake, T. Smith, G. Barwick, G. Barnett, W. Moore, A. Auger, E. Brown, T. Rice, S. Hullet, and F. Thompson.

Mrs. F. Hawkes gave the Golden Treasure (a half-sovereign), which was won by Miss Margaret Ingle, but Mr. Ingle kindly returned a 10s. note, keeping the coin as a souvenir.

Rushden –Prisoners of War
A Hundred Men in The Hands of The Enemy
Over £2,000 Raised Locally Last Year

The annual meeting or the Rushden Prisoners of War Fund Committee and subscribers was held on Tuesday night in the Council Buildings. Mr. C. W. Horrell presided over a large attendance, supported by the joint hon. secretaries (Mr. C. L. Bradfield and Mr. Oliver Claridge).

Mr. Bradfield said there were 110 prisoners of war who were resident in Rushden at the time of their enlistment or when rejoining the Forces. Two of these had now been sent to Holland (Sergts. Garley and Newman), and two to Switzerland (Ptes. Ekins and Harris the latter having died on reaching that country). Two others (Ptes. Whitney and Freeman) had died as prisoners of war. Four had been repatriated, all more or less wounded and maimed (Sergt. Allen, Sergt. Green, Pte. Jolley, and Pte. Groome). That left exactly 100 prisoners of war belonging to Rushden, 55 being in the Northants Regiment, and the remaining 45 in 28 other units. The ladies of the Red Cross Society in Rushden had been the sheet anchor of the local work. (Hear, hear.) An inquiry bureau had been started, and the secretaries and members of the committee periodically attended for consultation by friends and relatives of the missing men. There were a large number of people, not only in Northamptonshire, but all over the country, who were just now undergoing a period of grave suspense through not having heard from friends who are prisoners. If the cases were only isolated ones there would be serious cause for anxiety, but, as a matter of fact, at the present time, for some reason which was to him obscure, there were thousands of man who were taken prisoners in March and April who had only been allowed to send one card to England to say they were prisoners and who, after that, had not been allowed to get any letters through. There might be some consolation in this, as they could not all be dead.

The financial statement was given by Mr. O. Claridge, who said that during the year since October 11th, 1917, when the fund was formed on its present basis, they had received from all sources the sum of £2,805 4s. 1d. (Applause.) This magnificent total was a result upon which the whole of the inhabitants of Rushden might justly pride themselves. This was a fund which appealed to everybody. But though so much had been raised they must, still ask for more. With the present number of prisoners their liabilities were £320 a month.

The Chairman, said the year's work had brought some relief to the brave men who were suffering terribly in enemy hands. When the committee started on this work they had no idea of the dimensions into which it would grow. They now needed about £3,840 a year to cover their expenses, but he was sure they were equal to their present liabilities if only they could continue to got the support of the people.

Questions were then invited as to the work, but none were forthcoming.

Mr. John Spencer, J.P., proposed the re-election of the committee for the ensuing year, allowing them to select their own officers, as last year, which, he was sure, was a very good choice. The energy they had all put into the work was marvellous, and the good service was appreciated by everybody in the town.

Mr. J. Garley seconded, and it was carried.

Pillaged Parcels

Mr. Bradfield, at this point, said that out of all the acknowledgments they had received for parcels dispatched he did not think there were more than four complaints as to the condition of the parcels. (Applause.) This was the result of careful packing. On the other hand, nearly every package which came undone was pillaged, the temptation to take the articles being too great to those through whose hands the parcels had to pass.

The Chairman said they needed another £20 a week, but he could assure the parents of the prisoners of war that it would bo forthcoming. No matter what they had to face in the future they would make every effort to see that each prisoner was supplied with parcels.'

Mr. W. M. Hensman proposed a special vote of thanks to the two secretaries, who, more than anyone connected with the fund, deserved the thanks of the town. Mr. Bradfield and Mr. Oliver Claridge had worked extraordinarily hard. They had heard of the success of the fund, and a success like that was never achieved except by the work of people who were not only competent but had the thorough respect, and trust of the whole town. All must be grateful to them for the courteous way in which they had received every inquirer und for the interest they had taken over every individual prisoner. They had taken the utmost trouble to alleviate the anxiety of every person who had appealed to them.

Mr. F. J. Sharwood seconded the motion, which was cordially carried.

Mr. Bradfield, in reply, emphasised the value of the work of the Red Cross ladies, who had been the backbone of the fund.

Mr. O. Claridge also returned thanks, and endorsed Mr. Bradfield’s appreciation of the work of the Red Cross ladies.

Mr. T. Wilmott, J.P., moved a hearty vote of thanks to the Red Cross ladies, which was seconded by Mr. B. Vorley and carried with heartiness.

Mr. Bradfield moved a vote of thanks to the Chairman, who had been indefatigable in his attendance at the meetings and who was a model president.

The proposition was carried unanimously.