Kettering Leader, 9th February, 1917, transcribed by Kay Collins
Rushden’s First War Shrine
An interesting little ceremony took place at Rushden on Saturday afternoon in Cromwell-road, when the Rector, the Rev. Percy Robson, dedicated the Street Roll of Honour presented by him to the street. There was a fair number of grown-up people at the ceremony.
The “Shrine” is erected at the corner of Cromwell-road and Robinson-road, and is a neat little wooden frame with a roof and tray underneath for flowers. Below the “Shrine” is a box for money or cigarettes which will be sent to the soldiers. The whole is painted green, and at the top is a gold cross and the Union Jack and a flag with a red cross on a white ground.
In opening the proceedings the Rector said the “Shrine” was to be dedicated to God in loving memory of those who had fallen and of those who had given their services for their King and Country. It would form a constant reminder of those who were still on active service, fighting or preparing to fight for the honour and freedom of their beloved country, and to protect their hearths and homes.
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That war shrine, or street roll of honour, was the first of its kind to be placed in that town, and he hoped it would not be the last by very many. While they called it a war shrine, he wanted them to realise that it was not simply a memorial to those who had fallen. When peace came – which please God may come soon – there would, of course, be erected some permanent memorial in the town, a worthy memorial of all those who had given their lives for their country and all they held dear. But that shrine bore the names of those who had fallen and those who were on active service, and it was meant to be a constant reminder to all living in the street, or going through the street, of those who were on active service and were jeopardising their lives for them. He hoped they would keep the flowers fresh and renewed. He was sure the shrine would be tended with love and care for the sake of those who were absent. He was quite sure also as they passed that spot and looked up at the “Roll of Honour” they would lift up their hearts to God for the safety and succour of those in peril abroad. Cromwell-road was the first to have a shrine, and it was worthy of the honour. If they looked at the Roll of Honour they would soon see that the street had given the lives of fourteen of its sons and the services of 130. It used to be said, so he was told, that Cromwell-road a generation or so back did not bear the highest reputation. But the men of that generation had proved themselves worthy. The estate was known as the “Rock” and its sons had proved themselves as strong and firm as the name of the district they lived in. Should there be any lad fall fighting for freedom he would like to hold a short memorial service at that spot for those who loved him and those dwelling in the street, who would naturally have an interest in him. He would also like them to place on the “Roll”, a laurel wreath as a token of loving respect for his memory.
The Rector then read a short dedication service and offered prayer. The ceremony concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.
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Rushden Echo, 5th October 1917, transcribed by Kay Collins
Cromwell Road Roll of Honour — Mrs Knight, secretary of the Cromwell-road Roll of Honour, has had the pleasure of sending to 113 boys now serving with the Colours and whose names are on the Roll, the money received from the bazaar, to which the committee added 4d. each, enabling them to send a 3s. postal order to each boy at home and abroad.
Pte. J Reeves, 60238 writes: “Just a few lines, thanking you and the committee for 3s. postal order. I think it is very good of you to think of the boys in the trenches and hospitals, for I know it cheers them up. I hope to have the pleasure of seeing my name on the Roll of Honour when I get back to dear old Rushden.”
Pte. R Line, R 5988, Naval Camp.—: “I should loke to thank all those who have so thoughtfully helped in the effort. I heard other fellows say they had received some money from the different districts, but I can tell you it came as a surprise for me to get some.”
Pte. E Smith, 18034, Kitchener’s Hospital, Brighton: “I have received the postal order for 3s., for which I thank you all very much. I think it is very good of you all to take such great interest in the boys of Rushden who are fighting for King and country. I have met several lads out in France, and the first thing we would talk about was good old Rushden.” Pte. Smith was badly wounded in the face in the Dunes Battle and nearly blinded in his left eye; he is at present undergoing electrical treatment for his jaw, but hopes to be in Rushden in a few weeks’ time.
Up to the present time there are 152 boys gone from Cromwell-road, of which fact the residents are justly proud.
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Rushden Echo, 23rd November 1917, transcribed by Kay Collins
Cromwell-road Roll of Honour - Rushden Lads’ Gratitude – Brightening the Lives of the Soldiers
Mrs Knight, secretary of the Cromwell-raod Roll of Honour at Rushden, has received a large number of letters from the grateful recipients of gifts. We make the following ectracts:-
Pte T Leeson: Words fail to express my thanks and feelings upon receiving your gift of 3s. It is impossible for anyone outside the Army to realise the feeling of gladness with which these gifts are received. How nice it is to know that those at home have not forgotten us, and are doing all in their power to brighten our lives.
Pte Smith: I am in receipt of P.O. for 3s., for which please accept my best thanks. I would like to take this opportunity of thanking the Committee for their generosity on different occasions.
Pte H Thompson, asking his mother to thank the Committee, promises to write later.
Pte E G Smith: We shall all be glad when this war is over, but we must stick to it as long as we can, and make sure that we win. I am sure that we shall do that, even if we boys have to stay out here for a few years. We must win.
Lance-Corpl W E Smith: The cigarettes came in very acceptable. You cannot imagine how we boys over here would like to thank you in person, to know that we are not forgotten by the friends we left behind. It puts new life into us to know they are doing all in their power to make our lives as cheerful as possible.
Pte F Smith: Many thanks for the 3s I received from the Roll of Honour. I appreciate the way in which you are doing your bit for the boys of our road who are out here. The Roll is a great help to the boys up to the present, and I hope it still continues to be a success.
Pte J Harris: The chocolates and 3s order came as a great surprise, and a very welcome one at that. It is very good of you to send us lads such welcome gifts, and I think each one of them appreciates them very much.
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