Stories from The Luton News: Thursday, July 6th, 1916.

Two Luton brothers suffering from shrapnel wounds sustained in action in France were reunited by chance at a convalescent camp in Rouen. Cpl Harry Webb, of the 24th London Regiment (The Queen's) and Rifleman Fred Webb, of the 9th London Regiment (Queen Victoria's Rifles) are the sons of Mr and Mrs George Webb, of 70 Princess Street, Luton.

Prior to enlistment Fred was accountant's clerk in the office of Mr T. Keens, and Harry was at Messrs Dillingham's. Both have been slightly wounded - Harry by shrapnel in the knee, and Fred by a similar shrapnel wound in the back. They had been in France for 13 months and 16 months respectively and had not seen each other for 15 months.

Harry was in the Rouen convalescent home when Fred arrived unexpectedly. Fred had been at Havre and was on board a ship to bring him home when fresh orders sent him to the Rouen base.

Harry wrote to his parents: "Last night I was at a concert when a sergeant came to me and told me somebody wanted me. When I got outside and saw Fred you could have knocked me down with the proverbial feather."

In his letter, Fred wrote: "I remembered Harry was at Rouen, so arriving there I went in search of him. He left the concert, and we spent the rest of the evening together, strolling round the camp and exchanging experiences, and had a jolly good laugh at some of them."

• General sympathy will be extended to Mr and Mrs J. Woollard, of 57 Lundhust Road, Luton, in the sad intimation they have received of the death of their son Pte J. H. Woollard, D Company, 6th Bedford Regiment, who was wounded in action on June 25th and succumbed to his injuries on the following day. Pte Woollard was 22 years of age and was formerly a clerk in the employ of Messrs Lye and Sons.

• Rifleman Victor Charles Groome, of 47 Brackenbury Road, Hammersmith, and formerly of Princess Street and Melson Street, Luton, was reported from France as missing on May 25th, 1915, and it was not until May 26th, 1916, that he was officially reported killed. He was 26 years of age, married and leaves a widow and two children, one born seven months after he was reported missing. He had returned to the firing line only four days before his death.

• Seriously ill and lying at the Base Hospital in France is Pte E. W. Ratcliffe, of the Inniskilling Fusiliers. He is a grandson of the late Mr Odcardo Ratcliffe, of Luton, and son of Mrs Emelia Ratcliffe, of 33 Vernon Road, Luton. The young Fusilier with a fine tenor voice joined a Pierrot Troupe to cheer up their comrades at the back of the firing line. One day, whilst so engaged, a shell struck the dug-out in which they were performing, killing 10 and wounding 23 of the spectators. A week later Pte Ratcliffe himself was seriously wounded.

• The Council Chamber has rarely been more closely packed than on Tuesday evening when, in the presence of a large number of Volunteers, the Mayor enrolled 101 recruits to the ranks. By the raising of right hands, the men en masse took the oath of allegiance.

• A man over military age turned up in a rather agitated mood at the Borough Tribunal last night and presented an official looking OHMS envelop containing a letter telling him he needed to show cause why he had not joined the Forces. The hoaxed recipient's mind was put at ease, accompanied by a warning from Town Clerk Mr William Smith that the writer of the letter might be liable to a serious charge is discovered.

• On Tuesday about 10.30 am, Driver William Smith, aged 20, of the North Midland Division Ammunition Column stationed at Dunstable Road, was riding a mule drawing a laden wagon when the mule fell. He was badly thrown and dragged by his stirrups. The wheels of the wagon want over his leg and shoulder, and he miraculously escaped with bruises only.

• Luton Town Council's Highways and Lighting Committee received a letter dated 6th June from George Kent Ltd stating that the road leading from Dunstable Road to the Explosives Works was made up by them some six months ago, and asking the Council to take it over as it was constantly being used for various kinds of traffic. The firm was told that the Council could not undertake to repair or maintain the road as it was not a highway repairable by the inhabitants at large.

• During the past few weeks extensive alterations have been going on at Bury Park Congregational Church, Luton, and they are now completed. The net result is to make room for 60 more scholars in the school building, and also to make the organ in the church a really fine instrument. The whole scheme has cost about £180, and the reopening of the organ will take place on Sunday, when the annual flower services will be held.

• The Luton Co-operative Choirs (Junior and Senior) added to their steadily growing list of honours on Saturday, when, under the leadership of their popular conductor, Mr Chas H. Spratley, took part in the annual contest for Co-operative Choirs, held this year in London. The Luton Seniors won the shield in their section, while the Luton Junior Choir came second with 91 points out of a possible 100, only one point behind winners Enfield.