Memorial Service at Rushden - The Late Private Ernest Selwood 'Greater Love Hath No Man Than This'
A memorial service for the late Pte Ernest Selwood of the Northamptonshire Regt, who was killed in action and other war victims, of the neighbourhood, was held at the Wellingborough-road war shrine, Rushden, on Sunday last at 1.15 p.m. A large congregation assembled. Hymn sheets were distributed amongst the people gathered together, and hymns extremely appropriate for the occasion and sung with deep emotion, comprised he following: "A few more years shall roll", "Thy will de done" (by request of the relations of the late Pte Selwood), "For all the saints who from their labours rest", and "O God, our help in ages past."

The surplices choir with the Rev P J Richards (Vicar of St Peter's), proceeded from St Peter's Church, the processional hymn "Hark, hark my soul" being sung. The Rev P E Robinson (Rector of St Mary's), there joined the assembly. Owing to other engagements the Revs C J Keeler (Independent Wesleyan) and E F Walker (Congregational) were unable to be present. The service was conducted by the Rev P Richards. After the opening hymn a brief lesson was read from the scriptures.

The Rev P E Robson gave an impressive address on the words "Greater love hath no may than this that lay down his life", and read the manes of those of the district who had made the great sacrifice viz., Ernest Selwood, Arthur Page, Walter Laughton, Percy Laughton, Arthur Ward, Reginald Mole, F A Magee, J Spencer, Asa Rawlins, and Frank Rawlins. The Rev P J Richards also gave an address, the service closing with the first verse of the National Anthem.

Rushden Soldiers’ Thanks - Wellingborough-Road District – Appreciation of Gifts
Mrs. Sibley, secretary of the Wellingborough-road Roll of Honour, at Rushden, has received many letters of thanks from the recipients of gifts, the following being extracts from some of the letters:-

Pte. V. Glenn, M.G.C.: It is splendid of the people to think of us as they do. I am expecting to go to the front again shortly.

F. R. Eagles, R.N.A.S.: It was a big surprise to me, and a very pleasing one, too. We are always busy in the Navy.

G. Layram, R.F.C.: It is very good of the people of Rushden to think of us chaps trying to do our little bit.

Pt. C. Baxter, M.G.C.: What a blessing it would be if this terrible war would finish.

Pte. B. Robinson, Bedfordshire Regt.: The 2s. came a very pleasant surprise, as I did not know I had my name on the Roll.

C. Harris: We have had plenty of rain, and it is no fun for us when we are sleeping out. We got flooded out of our “bivvy” the other night, but we take it all in good part.

G. Parker, M.G.C., “Somewhere in France”: I have a photo of the War Shrine with me. I have just finished 17 days in the trenches, but am now out for a rest. I am pleased to say I came through without a scratch.

A. E. Laughton: The 2s. came when I was stony broke, without a smoke or a supper, so I put it to good uses.

Pte. R. Ashford, Northants Regiment: I was in hospital with trench feet when the first 2s. came so the Battalion sent the letter back. I received the 4s. this morning. There are many Rushden fellows with me, and we all came out of the trenches all right.

Lance-Corpl. A. Selwood: I regret I was not able to attend the memorial service for my brother Ernest, who was killed in action at Gaza, but wish to express my thanks to the committee for this publicly recognising the sacrifice he was called to make.

Gunner J. H. Compton and Pte. Percy Neal also send their thanks with many others.

W. Elsden: Please accept my thanks for the third postal order you have sent me. We are doing big things on the front, which I hope will have a great effect in bringing the war to a successful conclusion.

Arthur Gates writes that he and some other Rushden men had a happy meeting outside their billets, and adds: I guess we shall have a happier one if we all get back after this trip. Roll on, Blighty; and I’ll never leave Rushden again! We are having awfully bad weather just now. Things would not be quite as bad if we had only rain to contend with, but with the rain, of course, comes mud, and then!

Walter J. Mole, H.M.S. --: A good English “fag” is a rare thing out in this part of the world, and I am certain that, if you know how much we appreciate the kind thoughts which prompted our neighbours and friends to send us something that shows us we are not forgotten, you would feel more than repaid. Roll on, Blighty, and dear old Rushden.

Pte. R. Ashford: It cheers the boys up when they get anything from England.

Pte. C. Baxter, M.G.C.: We are all looking forward to the time when peace reigns once more, and we are all at home again. The outlook is very black, but we must keep on hoping for the silver lining to the dark cloud. It does seem cruel that such an awful struggle should be allowed to continue.

Gunner J. A. Compton: It is encouraging to know that the townsp[eople of Rushden appreciate what is being done by the lads away from home, especially those who are undergoing such trying experiences abroad.

Pte. J. W. Meadows: We are all looking forward to victory soon, so tell the Rushdenites to cheer up, as we shall all be marching home some day.

George Shorley: I sincerely hope we may soon all find our way back to good old Rushden.

Pte A. E. Laughton (in hospital with a broken foot) writes that he is getting along very well indeed.

Pte. Rattley, T. E. Goodwin, H. A. Ladds, and others also send letters of thanks.