The Queen-street Roll of Honour was dedicated on Saturday afternoon by the Rector (the Rev. Percy Robson). Made and presented by Messrs. Whittington & Tomlin, the shrine is considered the handsomest yet erected in Rushden. The committee comprised Mesdames Whitehead (secretary), Adams (treasurer), Hefford, Noble, Bailey, and Adams. Nearly 80 names appear on the roll, neatly inscribed by Miss Muriel Baker. The flag was provided by Miss Ward. In his dedicatory address, the Rector expressed thanks to Miss Baker for inscribing the roll, to Messrs. Whittington & Tomlin for presenting it, and to Miss Nellie Ward for the gift of the flag. Prior to the dedication, the committee had collected the sum of £3 13s., and the sum given on the opening day was 11s. 8d., which sums will be expended in chocolate, cigarettes, etc., and sent to the Queen-street soldiers.

The second despatch of chocolates and cigarettes to the Queen-street soldiers has been made to over 40 men whose names are on the Queen-street Roll of Honour.

Roll of Honour—The committee of the Queen-street Roll of Honour have sent 34 boys P.O.s value 1s. 3d. This is the third despatch of gifts.

Rushden Soldiers' Thanks Gratitude for Gifts

Twenty-four more boys whose names appear on the Queen street, Roll of Honour have each received a postal order for 2s. Many letters of thanks have been received by the committee, and we make the following extracts:

Sapper C. S. I. Margetts, B.E.F.: I think this Roll of Honour in each street is an excellent scheme, for it lets us know that you are all taking an interest in us, and showing that interest in a practical manner.  Rushden has always been very dear to me, but never so dear as it will be when we can all come home again.  The “Rushden Echo” comes as a very welcome means of getting the news, and I was sorry to read in last week’s issue that Sid Sharman is reported missing.  I should be glad if you will kindly convey to Mrs. Richardson, his mother, my sincere hope that good news will soon be forthcoming of him.  (Pte. Sharman is now known to be a prisoner of war. – Ed. “R.E.”).  I met Mr. Perkins, the schoolmaster, here yesterday, and had a nice talk with him.

F. E. Sugars, Hussars, B.E.F.: I thank all connected with the Queen-street Roll of Honour for the cigarettes received safely.  I little thought, 30 years ago, when I first made my appearance in that dear street, that there would be such a thing as a Queen-street Roll of Honour, and I can say, I am sure, with many more of the dear old lads who have trodden its pavements, that it is the finest thing that could be done to keep chums’ memories together.  What a treat it would be if as many as possible could be gathered together after the war to commemorate Queen-street’s respect towards its lads serving the country.  Not more than a mile radius from where I am there are several Rushden fellows, and the old town is often spoken of.

Pte. Frank Page: I have been reading the “Rushden Echo,” and noticed the numerous letters of thanks for such gifts as I have received.  It shows that the people of Rushden are real good at heart, and makes one proud to belong to such a place.  You are rendering the highest possible service to those out here, as it is our greatest help to realise that those at home are still thinking about us.  I am in the very best of health and spirits, but, like the rest, shall be glad when this job is all over.

First-class Air Mechanic Eric F. Tomkins, R.F.C.: I desire to tender to the committee my very best thanks for the kind thoughts and wishes that prompted the sending of it.  It is extremely nice, and very helpful and stimulating to know that we are not forgotten by those we have left behind in our native town, and, further, to know that what little we are individually doing is appreciated.  Although the road may be long and arduous, I do not think there is really anything any of us would not face cheerfully, backed up by such kind thoughts and wishes that prompted and accompanied your gift.

Lance-Corporal Walter R. Watson, B.E.F.: Your postal order has come all right, for I am having a fortnight at the seaside for rest after having such a long time in the trenches.  I do not expect it will be long now before I shall be home, that is, if all goes well.  I do not expect I shall find Rushden the same as I left it 17 months ago, although I hope there are still the amusements going.  It would be rather a bad holiday if they were not opened.  I am very pleased to say that I am enjoying the best of health.

Pte. J. W. Smith, Northants Reserves: It is very kind of you to look after us all like this.

Pte. H. Norman, France: I am in the best of health, and hope to remain so to the end of this strife.

Leading Seaman C. Groom, H.M.S.--------: These gifts make us feel proud of the place to which we belong.

Lance-Corpl. F. S. Adams, Northants Regiment: I was rather surprised to receive another gift so quickly, as it does not seem long since I received the last one.  I am sure the committee must be working hard, or this Roll of Honour would not have proved itself to be such a success.

Bombr. Fred S. Clayton: The gift is deeply appreciated, being fresh evidence (if any were needed) of the kindly interest of old friends in Queen-street in the boys who are absent.

A Adams: Your continued efforts on our behalf are very much appreciated.

Rifleman G. E. Chubb, now in a Norfolk War Hospital: I thank you very much for the most acceptable presents you have so kindly sent me during my very long stay in the hospital.

Gunner Chas. G. Clarke, R.F.A.: Since I have been here I have mixed up with boys from all parts of England, and the same as good old Rushden, they have their war shrines.  When these donations come they are very acceptable, and the war shrines committees get their full measure of praise from the boys.  Although some of them do not write their thanks, they speak them, and won’t forget when they come home.

Lance-Corpl. H. Pendered: At the time of writing I am in hospital in Alexandria, Egypt, recuperating from a wound received out here.

Pte. E. F. Hodgkins, Northants Regiment: I am now feeling A1, bar my old complaint, which troubles me now and again.

Letters of thanks have also been received from Trumpeter Alderman, Driver W. Alderman, Sergt. J. Sharp, Ptes. W. Copson, H. Whittington, L. Bailey, C. Britchford, W. H. Elmer, C. Norman, Arthur Sugars, and others.

Rushden Tommies’ Thanks - Queen-Street Roll Of Honour
Gratitude for Gifts

Mrs. Adams, secretary of the Queen-street Roll of Honour, Rushden, and the committee have received many letters from the soldiers and sailors whose names are on the list and to whom gifts have been sent.  The following extracts are taken from the letters:-

Pte. A. Simpson, Northants Regiment, writes: I read in the “Rushden Echo” of the sale you had, and was pleased to know it was a great success.  I shall be glad when this terrible war is over, so that we can get back to good old Rushden once more.  I almost forget what it is like.  It is 16 months since I was there last.

Pte. F. Tomlin: I hope we shall soon all be in civil life once more.

Pte. Charles E. Cook, R.A.M.C. Staff, Egypt: We are expecting to be very busy shortly.  God grant that things won’t be as bad as expected.

F. G. Elmer: It makes us think of home when we lay in camp and hear the guns in France going off at nights.

Pte. S. Hooper: When you mentioned the garden fete it put me in mind of the good old peace day.s

O.S. F. W. Goodman, R.N.D.: There is no doubt the war shrines of Rushden are doing very good things for the Rushden boys.

Corpl. J. H. Reynolds: The postal order, I can assure you, is greatly appreciated; more so to think that we have such good neighbours and friends at home.

Gunner Pendered: It looks as if we are going to have another winter out here, but I hope it will be over before the winter starts.

H. Moon: I am sure we all appreciate your kindness.

Lance-Corporal F. G. Adams, Northants Regiment, France; In six out of seven days a week the majority of the British Tommies are what you call “broke,” so you can imagine what a happy moment it is for them when they get a Roll of Honour postal order.  I hope the war will be over by Christmas.

Gunner A. Adams: The postal order arrived at a most opportune moment, as I am still out resting and very nearly “broke.”

Pte. F. Lawson: It is a very long time since I left dear old Rushden, and nothing will give me greater pleasure than to be again amidst the dear friends of Rushden.  Times change, and so do we, but kindness and loving thoughts of one another never die.  Day follows day, and I still find myself in the Land of the Pharaohs.  I am ever looking forward to the speedy ending of this titanic struggle.

F. E. Sugars, Hussars, B.E.F.: I thank you, the committee, and all who subscribe to such a good cause.  I sincerely trust it won’t be long before I am back, as I have had over three years of it.

Gunner A. J. Oliver: I am pleased to think such a good work is going on at home.  It does not always need the khaki to show that you had a hand in helping to win the war.

Lance-Corporal A. Bass, M.G.C., B.E.F.: The postal order was the means of providing me with a few comforts which are necessary under active service conditions.

Pte. C. Britchford, Queen’s Regiment: I am sure the friends of Queen-street have done their bit to cheer up the boys who have left good old Rushden behind.  I had the pleasure of seeing the war shrine during my recent leave, and I think it is a very good one.  I noticed that Queen-street has its full share of names on the Roll of Honour.  Rushden has sent her lads away splendidly.

Letters of thanks were also received from Pte. J. W. Smith, Pte. E. Waite, Gunner Charles Clarke (R.F.A.), Pte. W. Copson, Pte. W. Hooton, Pte. R. Cooper, Pte. Linnitt, Pte. H. G. Sanders, Sergt. C. W. Thacker, Pte. J. Sanders, Pte. J. Brampton, Eric F. Tomkins (R.F.C.), Walter Watson, Pte. T. Wright, Pte. W. Giles, Frank Whittington (R.N.A.S.), A. Childs, Sergt. G. H. Ward, and others.