In 1908 George Denton had been joined by his older son, another George and the company had changed its name again to B Denton & Son Ltd, and prospered greatly during the First World War still making army boots. Denton's main factory at Rushden was supplemented with another at Irchester where boys’ shoes were made and this was managed by the twin sons of George Denton – John Sydney & William Herbert - by 1914.
The twins played cricket for Rushden Town Cricket Club and for the Old Wellingburians club. William played for the Northamptonshire from 1909 and had scored 4,449 runs before he retired from the county team in 1924. Brother John palyed from 1909 until 1919 and he had scored 3,298 runs for the County.
They had a younger brother, Arthur Donald Denton who also played at county level from 1914 until 1930.
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A signed photo
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The Wellingborough News Friday 5 November 1915, transcribed by Nicky Bates
Cricket Twins - Commission Applied for by Brothers Denton
We learn that the twin brothers Denton, sons of Mr G Denton, of "Eastfields," Rushden, who have won fame as members of Northamptonshire cricket eleven have applied for commissions in the 2/4th Northants Regiment. They have passed the medical tests and now await their papers. Mr G Denton, of Rushden, will then have four sons serving with the colours.
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The Wellingborough News Friday 7 June 1918, transcribed by Nicky Bates
The Denton Twins - Famous Northants Cricketers Reported Missing
Sportsmen throughout the district will be sorry to learn that Sec-Lieuts "Jack" and "Billy" Denton, the twin sons of Mr and Mrs Geo. Denton, of "Eastfields", Rushden, are reported missing. His [sic] parents received a wire on Thursday morning conveying the unfortunate news. The missing officers attained world-wide reputations as Northants County cricketers. Their brother, Sec-Lieut "Don" Denton lost a leg in the war and another brother, H Denton has been over two years in France.
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The Wellingborough News Friday 5 July 1918, transcribed by Nicky Bates
Safe and Well - Rushden's Cricketing wins Taken Prisoner
Very many inhabitants of the county will be pleased to hear that Lieuts J S and W H Denton, of Rushden, are alive and well, having been taken prisoner by the Germans. The news came through on Wednesday morning in the form a postcard received by Mrs G Denton, of "Eastfields," Rushden, mother of the famous cricketing twins. The message was written on June 1st, which would be about the date when they first became "missing"; and they could give no address. The favourable news will be especially welcome in cricket circles, for the prowess of "J. S" and "W. H" as members of the Northants County Cricket Club was known far and wide.
Mr and Mrs Denton wish to express sincere thanks for very many sympathetic inquiries they have received during their time of great anxiety.
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The Wellingborough News Friday 3 January 1919, transcribed by Nicky Bates
Cricketers Home - Denton brothers Back from Captivity
We are glad to learn that the Denton Cricket twins Lieuts W. H. and J. S. Denton, returned from captivity on Friday, they are looking none the worse for their trying experiences.
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