Cannot Compare with Rushden’s – War Shrines in other Towns
Windmill-Road District Roll of Honour
“I have seen war shrines in several towns,” writes Pte. R. E. Sadler, T.R.B., to Mrs. S. Denton, of Windmill-road, Rushden, secretary of the Roll of Honour for the Windmill-road and Sartoris-road district, “but they are nothing to compare to Rushden’s”. From other letters of gratitude received by the secretary from the recipients of gifts we take the following excerpts:-

Corpl. F. E. Andrews, who is now in a Northumberland War Hospital writes: It is difficult for me to express all I feel. I only know I am very grateful for the splendid way in which you who are home think about the boys away. To be reminded that one is not forgotten by those at home helps such a lot. Rushden is doing splendid work, and the erection of such beautiful war shrines about the town is one of the greatest things that ever happened in Rushden. I am proud of it. The way it is honouring those who have gone is splendid.

Pte. P. Taylor says it is very kind of the people to think of the fellows who are away fighting for the women and children.

Pte. F. T. Clark, Suffolk Regiment: I cannot tell you how much we appreciate your good work.

Writing from a military hospital in Essex, Pte. W. Hankins, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, says that the gifts are richly appreciated, especially by the boys over on the other side of the water.

A G. Pearson: I feel sure all your honour will be repaid.

T. W. Martin writes thanking the committee for the postal order.

Corpl. J. Tuckey, Bedfordshire Regt.: I was so sorry to read in the paper about so many Rushdenites getting knocked out with the Northants Regt. It will be a blessing when this war is over, so that we can come home and settle down, as we are never safe down here with air raids.

Rushden’s Soldier Sons - Gifts from Roll of Honour
Mrs S Denton, of Windmill-road, Rushden, secretary of the Roll of Honour for Windmill-road and Sartoris-road, has received a number of letters in acknowledgement of postal orders for 2s., sent to the boys whose names are inscribed on the Roll. We give a few extracts:-

Pte. F Berrill: At the time of writing I am in reserve, so I cannot post this, nor can I spend the money. I intend giving my pals a little treat with it when i can. The card (enclosed with the postal order) I intend to bring back to Rushden, for I am proud of it, and also proud of Rushden people for what they are doing to cheer the lads out here. I have the “Rushden Echo” sent every week, and most of my pals like to read of Rushden, although they are mostly Londoners. I hope this war will soon end, and I think everyone wishes the same.

Pte. W Scouse, Northants regt. It is good to know that our efforts out here are appreciated by those at home, and our greatest pleasure is derived from that knowledge. Things out here [are] in every way satisfactory, and we hope to hasten the end of this world trouble and thus return at an early date to those who are most in our thoughts.

Ray Fairey, band of Northants Regt., writes thanking the secretary and committee for the postal order and the dedication hymn sheet.

Pte. C H Clark, M.G.S., of the Royal Fusiliers, B.E.F.: I feel proud to think that my name is on the Roll. We have just come out of the trenches for a rest, after going over the top, and you will see in the paper that we are getting it a bit hot now—the weather, of course. I think myself that the war will not be long in coming to a close. I have met one or two Rushden chaps out here.

Corpl. Tuckey, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, B.E.F.: I think I am voicing the opinion of all in saying that, although we are out of sight, we are a long way from being out of the minds of the neighbours and friends of Sartoris-road and Windmill-road.

Bandsman E Page, A.V.C., B.E.F.: It is a credit to the race what you and the committee of the Windmill and Sartoris roads Roll of Honour have done to help to sheer the lads who are doing their bit for the honour of the country we are all proud of.

Pte. G E Bettles: It is very nice to know that we are still thought of at home, as it is very dull sometimes out here, but we must still carry on and help to keep the old flag flying.

Pte. R Parker, M.G.C.: We are having some fine weather now, and keep pushing on. I expect to be home on leave in about a fortnight’s time.

Pte. A F Bates, R.A.M.C.: I have read a lot about the war shrines in Rushden, and I am very proud to think that we have one close to the old mill.

Arthur Wilby, of the Reserve Brigade, A.T.F.: The gift has come most opportunely, and is very welcome.

H Bull: I thank you very much for your kind thoughts towards those who are serving our country.

Corpl. F R Croot, R.G.A., C Reynolds, and Pte. S Martin also write expressing hearty thanks to the secretary and committee.

The Winning Numbers of the corresponding number competition organized by the committee of the Windmill-road and Sartoris-road Roll of Honour, for a handmade ribbon-work cushion and d’oyley case are as follow:- First, 944; second 1279. The numbers were drawn by Mr. Tom Clark. As a result of the effort £4 3s. 0d. has been handed to the treasurer, and this sum will be divided amongst the lads whose names are on the roll. Prizes must be claimed within seven days from Mrs. Joyce, 1, Sartoris-road, Rushden.

Rushden Boys at Home and Abroad - Sartoris-road and Windmill-road - Soldiers Thanks
The recipients of the Sartoris-road and Windmill-road Roll of Honour gifts, like the rest of Rushden sailors and soldiers, are profound in their expressions of thanks, as will be seen from another batch of extracts which we publish herewith :-

Corpl. W. Underwood writes as a prisoner of war in Germany, and says that he is in the best of health.

Pte. G. H. Andrews, M.G.C., France: It is cheering to know that we have such kind friends at home to work for us in such a thoughtful manner.

O. S. J. P.Sears: We cannot see an end to this horrible war yet, but I do hope that before 1918 is out we shall be able to say there is peace at last.

F. Berrill: I see by the “Rushden Echo” that other parts of Rushden are doing equally well, and when I read of the grand totals realised for the benefit of the various organisations brought about by the war I cannot but think that Rushden people are doing their utmost to help to win this war. The gifts come in very useful, but I think every lad from Rushden fully realises the “spirit of sacrifice” which makes it possible for him to get the little extras which help to cheer him and keep him in closer touch with friends and loved ones at home.

Pte. W. Scouse, B.E.F. France: Things are very satisfactory, under the circumstances, where I am at present.

Pte. F. Martin, B.E.F.: Let us all cheer up and make the best of things till these troubles are over.

Pte. S. Tompkins (in Hertfordshire) : We have quite a lot of Rushden boys here. Nobody knows how the boys welcome the gifts from the Roll of Honour until they have been with them.

Driver F. Lawrence, Salonika Expeditionary Force: I can’t see how the Germans can go though this winter without terrible punishment.

Pte. F. T. Clark: It is a great thing you are doing for us boys.

Drummer J. C. O’Shea: I was sorry to hear that another man whose name appeared on the roll (Walter Taylor) has been killed.

Pte. P. Taylor: I think you are doing remarkably well in the street. I expect I shall be going to the front very shortly.

Pte. W. Hankins writes from a V.A.D. Hospital in Essex.

Corpl. C. W. Joyce, Canadian Permanent Army Service Corps: I get in touch with nearly all the returned men that come to the Discharge Depot of Quebec, and hear of all the different experiences at the front.

Pte. E. L. Brightwell: The amounts you have been able to send collect have really been magnificent.

Pte. R. E. Sadler: I think Sartoris and Windmill-roads have done extraordinarily well to send us so much in so short a space of time.

Equally grateful letters have been received from Pte. A. Underwood, Pte. S. Martin, A. Wilby, Rifleman R. E. Wilby, Corpl. F. E. Andrews, Pte. H. Foster, Gunner George Underwood, Corpl. J. Tuckey, Bandsman E. Page, C. Newell, Bandsman A. Stock.

In a brief and impressive address, Mr. Richards said they were met specially to commemorate those whose lives had been laid down in this great struggle, to pray for those who were in anxiety about any of their dear ones, to remember in general all those who were in the post of danger. What was to be their attitude towards death? He felt that as Christian people they ought not to meet in the spirit of overwhelming sorrow. The Scriptures rightly told them that they ought not to sorrow as those without hope. Although they could not but grieve at parting with those they loved, yet they must gradually let that grief be overborne by the wonderful and ever-growing hope of those who looked forward with confidence in God’s promise. They must think of the separation as being but for a little while and must look forward to that eternal joy which “cometh in the morning.” The sorrow might be hard to bear, but they could think of it as it was seen from God’s point of view and then they would find that it was going to bring them something which would be very joyful. That was the only spirit which could bring them peace in this time of terrible trial.

Mr. Richards then read a list of the names of the fallen heroes as given above, and also mentioned the names of Pte. C.H. Clark, Royal Fusiliers, reported wounded and missing, and Reginald Wilby, from whom no letter had been received for nine weeks.

Pte. W. Scourse (France) : Very many thanks for the 5s. You can rest assured that the money will be put to good use in providing a few extras at the Y.M.C.A., which is doing real good work among the lads down hear.

Pte. P. Taylor: I think the people in Windmill-road and Sartoris-road are very kind to think of the boys who are fighting in this dreadful country.

Pte. W. Hankins writes from hospital in Belfast.

Pte. E. A. Bates, R.A.M.C.: I had the pleasure of seeing the shrine when I was home before Christmas.

Pte. F. T. Clark appreciates the continued remembrance by the subscribers.

Rifleman A. Wilby (Kent): Plenty of butter and sugar here ; we don’t go short. I think they should let the citizens have it first.

Pte. E.L. Brightwell: Midst this life which is foreign to us all, there is a gleam of sunshine when we are reminded of those kindly friends and neighbours who have our interests at heart, and by their efforts have been able to send in so practical manner such tokens of their esteem. These go a long way to brighten our lives and make the life we are now living more bearable

Pte. Ralph Neal, R.A.M.C. Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force: The parcel has been a long time coming, but, I am glad to say, eventually reached me safely. I have not seen any other Rushden lads out here yet, but I know from the “Rushden Echo” that there are a few, so I might come across one or two.

G. Underwood (France): The weather we have at present is rather dull and misty. We don’t mind the misty weather in a way , as Fritz has a nasty habit on moonlight nights of coming over and bombing our vicinity.

Other writers include Pte. J. Field, P. Laurence (Salonika), Cyril Newel, Drummer J. C. O’ Shea, Pte. G. H. Andrews.

F. Berrill: I see by the “Rushden Echo” you have another man on your list who is in Italy. I have been here about four months, but have not met anyone yet from Rushden. I keep looking about, for I should like to see someone from Rushden. I guess we should talk a bit.

Sergt. G. R. Gooseman (France): I sincerely hope you are finding it a lot easier to get food stuffs.

Gnr. L. G. Underwood (France): We started summer-time here on March 10th.

Pte. W. Scouse (B.E.F.): I have been in hospital, sick, and am now at a rest station for a few days.

P. J. Sears writes from a military hospital in Dundee.

Pte. E. L. Brightwell: I believe the Roll of Honour was opened last August, and I think I am right in saying that each month you have been able to send us some tangible expression of your gratitude. How it is appreciated you know full well by the number of letters of appreciation you have received.

Bombardier A. Stock, R.F.A. (B.E.F.): I have been sent down to the base, suffering from illness. The 5s. came in very handy, for we do not draw any money when in hospital. At present I am in a convalescent depot in Rouen and getting on fine. I have been looking round the grand cathedral, and I noticed the extraordinary number of people in mourning. England has bled much, but I think France has bled more.

Second A.M. W.J. Hewitt: I think Rushden has done her utmost for the boys who are absent.

Horace Ball writes from Bangalore, India.

Corpl. C. H. Joyce (Canada): I hope for a near ending of this war.

Pte. W. Hankins (Mater Hospital Belfast): The boys will never forget the friends at home doing all they can to relieve the monotony of this war.

Other letters have been received from Pte. F. T. Clark, S. Martin (M.G.C.), E. Page.

Mrs. E. Joyce, secretary of the Windmill-road and Sartoris-road Roll of Honour at Rushden, has received a further batch of letters in acknowledgment of the war shrine gifts, the following being extracts :--

Pte. F. Smith: The money comes in very handy, as you know we don’t get a lot of money out here.

Pte. W. Scouse writes: I am fortunate enough to be near a Y.M.C.A. at present, so you will guess we make good use of it, when we get the chance. I sincerely hope this year will see this cruel war brought to a successful conclusion.

Bandsman E. Page (France): Though the news just lately has not been so very cheerful, the time will soon come when we shall see a victorious end.

Driver Fred Lawrence, Advanced Horse Attachment (Salonika Expeditionary Force) : The gifts couldn’t have come better, as I was in hospital at the time, suffering from an injured knee, and unfortunately we do not get any money in hospital.

Sergt. Tuckey, M.M. (France): I was reading in the “Rushden Echo” last week of the last effort you made (the concert), and I am sure it was a great success. I have been in a few different towns myself this last nine years, but I have never come across one yet where people are so generous as they are in good old Rushden. And in the way of vocalists, as everyone knows who takes an interest in singing, to beat Rushden for talent one has a long, long way to go ; hence the success of these concerts, for people of Rushden know a good singer when they hear one.

Second A.M. W. J. Hewitt: I saw a article in the “Rushden Echo” about the concert, and I was pleased to hear that it was a success. I noticed that the boys are scattered all about the world, but I hope we shall all return to the good old neighbourhood some time, though it looks as if we are not finished yet.

Pte. F. T. Clark (Labour Corps.): I trust this awful war will be over before long, though things are looking rather black at present.

Other letters have been received from Pte. A. Eady, George Underwood, Pte. T. W. Martin, G. H. Andrews, Pte. A. Bates, Pte. J. C. O’Shea, E. L. Brightwell, and J. P. Sears.