Rushden Echo, 265^th April 1918, transcribed by Kay Collins

Casualty List - Mrs. Samuel Dawson, of 4, South-terrace, Rushden, has received news that her eldest son, Corpl. William Dawson, Australian Contingent, has been severely wounded. He has three wounds, the worst being in the shoulders and back. This is the second time he has been wounded, and he was in Rushden on leave early this year. Corpl. Dawson, who is now in hospital at Devonport, is a brother of Mrs F. Elmer, of 88, Cromwell-road, Rushden whose husband, Mr. F. Elmer, is the secretary of the local branch of the Discharged and Demobilised Sailors' and Soldiers' Federation On Wednesday morning Mrs. Elmer received a letter from her brother in which he says: "I am progressing fairly-well, but some days I am a great deal better than others, but there is nothing serious now." He further inquires after his brother-in-law (Mr. Frank Elmer), and adds: "I saw his name mentioned in the 'Rushden Echo' and his interest in the discharged heroes. I wish him every success." Corpl. Dawson, who enlisted in Australia, had been in the Commonwealth five years prior to the date of his enlistment.

The Maimed—Men who have lost a leg in the war will be measured for new legs on Saturday at the Victoria Hotel, as announced in our advertisement columns.

Life Guards Band at Rushden
Demobilised Sailors & Soldiers Federation – A Musical Treat

High-class concerts were given in the Theatre Royal on Sunday afternoon and evening in aid of the Rushden Branch of the Discharged and Demobilised Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Federation. The Committee were extremely fortunate in engaging the Band of H.M. 1st Life Guards, by the permission of Lieut.-Colonel the Hon. E. S. Wyndham, the conductor being Lieut. G. Miller, L.R.A.M. Madam Gleeson-White, prima donna, was so popular that the audiences, with much enthusiasm, demanded encore after encore. The Cecilia Quartette Party were also very highly appreciated, each of their items being encored. The Theatre at the evening performance was crowded.

During an interval, Mr. Fred Knight, J.P., Chairman of the Rushden Urban Council, and one of the vice-presidents of the Rushden Branch of the Federation, thanked the directors of the theatre for kindly placing the building at the disposal of the branch free of cost; to Miss G. Clayton (manageress) and the Staff for the ready assistance they had given; to the Band and Lieut. Miller, Madam Gleeson-White, and the Cecilia Quartette Party, for the musical treat they had given; and to all who had given financial support to the effort. He assured them that the branch was doing excellent work and such support as that would encourage them to do better. (Applause.) [a long list of the programme follows]

The Rushden Argus January 9^th 1920, transcribed by Susan Manton

The Military Cross - Presentation to Rushden N.C.O.

The Rushden Branch of the National Federation of Discharged and Demobilised Sailors and Soldiers spent a very enjoyable evening at the queen Victoria Hotel Rushden, on Friday when the branch partook of a capital dinner, and enjoyed a smoking concert. The Rev. Ion Carroll presided and supporting him were Councillor F. Knight J.P. Councillor J. Tomlin, Mr. R. Smith and Mr. F. Elmer (secretary of the branch)

After the meal had been thoroughly enjoyed Mr. R. Smith gave the toast of “The King” which was loyally honoured. The Chairman then mentioned that he was in the position of their esteemed president (Mr. James Hyde) who was unable to attend.

Mr. G. Pearson presented the health of “The Host and Hostess” in felicitous terms. Mr. and Mrs. Evans were always ready to do what they could for ex-soldiers. They would do anything they could to further the happiness of the dear boys who had done so much for their country.

The Rev. Ion Carroll then gave “The Health of the Boys”. He spoke from the bottom of his heart when he expressed his appreciation of the wonderful feats of endurance accomplished by the “boys” in their fight for freedom and right. He had got into trouble for calling them “saints” but they had borne one another’s burdens and some had laid down their lives for their friends and that was Christianity. That was the way to become saints. He believed that all men who answered the call were saints for the time being. They had to keep clear before the mind of the nation what they had done. Proceeding, he hoped that they would make that dinner an annual event and have also a summer outing as such social gatherings tended to keep alive the splendid comradeship the men acquired on service (Applause)

Mr. F. Elmer, in reply, appealed for added interest in the Federation by the members. Many who thought they had nothing to trouble about did not take the interest they ought to and he reminded them of their comrades who were not so well placed as they were. The officials could do nothing without the solid support of the members.

Councillor F. Knight J.P., chairman of the Rushden Council, then performed a very interesting presentation of Military Cross to Regimental Sergeant Major Marsden of Rushden. In doing so, he said he was proud of the privilege and the town was proud of the fact that the Cross had been won. He hoped the Major would have a long and prosperous life to enjoy the distinction he had won in the field at Gallipoli and Palestine. Everyone was proud of him and on behalf of the town he made the presentation of the Cross and with it the town’s congratulations. (Applause)

Mr. Knight proceeded to make a very strong appeal to the discharged and demobilised men to support the Federation. Governments and people had short memories but he hoped that the time would never come when the nation would forget the services rendered by the soldiers and sailors for them at home. (Applause)

He referred to the sad fact that Rushden had lost 400 of its gallant sons and a very large number of the 2,500 men who joined up had returned maimed and broken. He hoped they would rally round the Federation, for they had only to band themselves together to make their voices effective. It should not have been necessary for them to have a Federation but it was, and would be more and more necessary as time went on. In conclusion he wished them long life and that a generous country would look after their interests.

The Rev. Ion Carroll mentioned that the membership of the branch was 150 out of 2,500 who left to fight. That was not enough and he thought all members should make up their minds to get a few of their comrades to join the Federation.

During the evening some capital songs were given by Mr. S. Weekley, Mr. J. Coleman and Mr. T. Smith and Mr. W.C. Taylor entertained the company with some card manipulation.

CORRESPONDING NUMBER for the Benefit of Mr. Chas. Bailey (a cripple in need of a pair of irons) and Mr. J. Marriott (a discharged soldier). Winning numbers:

1st— 15016. 2nd—13374. 3rd—20087. 4th—2399.

All Prizes to be claimed within 7 days from the secretary, F. NOBLE. 5, Moor-rd., Rushden.

We certify that the above draw was carried satisfactorily.

ION CARROLL, JOHN SPENCER, W. J. TERRY,
Scrutineers.