Pte. Derek Cecil Groom, The Queen's Own Royal West Kents Regiment is reported killed in action in the Central Mediterranean, theatre of war. He was 20 years of age and the younger son of Mr. and Mrs. L. Groom, of 35, Westfield-avenue, Rushden. The news was received by his parents last Friday.

Pte. Groom had been in the Army for 18 months and overseas since last November. Formerly he worked for the Empire Meat Co., and attended the Alfred-street School and Mission Sunday School. His elder brother died about two years ago and the only sister is a member of the A.T.S.