Rushden Soldier Brings Home a French Bride

A most interesting wedding was solemnised at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Rushden on Saturday, when the Rev. Father O'Sullivan united in matrimony Mademoiselle Valentine "Jean" Schumers, of Parenty, P.D.C., France, and Corpl Harry Edward Silburn (15th Hussars), son of Mr. R. E. Silburn of 158, Wellingborugh-road, Rushden.

The bride, who was given away by Mr. R. E. Silburn, wore a charming dress of cream-satin and tulle net, and carried a bouquet of lilies, white carnations and maidenhair fern. Miss Mamie J. Silburn and Miss Sadie Ione Silburn (sisters of the bridegroom) were the bridesmaids, and were prettily dressed in khaki satin, over-laid with silk ninon. They carried sprays of the same composition as the bride's bouquet. Mr. Leslie Merle Silburn performed the duties of best man. A reception was afterwards held at 158, Wellingborough-road.

There is quite a romance attaching to this wedding. Corpl. Silburn first went to the front in August 1914, and he was the only one of his squadron of Hussars to return after a glorious cavalry charge at the Battle of Mons. His horse was shot from under him, and he returned on foot to the British lines. In March of this year he fell ill with pneumonia, and was sent to a hospital at Boulonge, afterwards coming to the Red Cross Hospital at Northam, Susex. On Wednesday, June 14th, he came home on leave. It was near Boulonge, just before his illness that he met Mademoiselle Schumers. He was billeted on a farm near her parents' property, and came to meet her through the young lady acting as interpreter to his regiment. She speaks English fluently, having at one time been a teacher of the French language in an English convent. Mrs. Silburn will settle in Rushden, and hopes to resume her scholastic duties.

Note: Married 17th June 1916 at St Peter’s Roman Catholic Church Rushden