Page 678 - Reading Mercury

War news of a personal significance has been received in homes in Reading and
district this week, some of it good and some, unhappily, sad. Berkshire men have been
prominent in the heroic retirement from Belgium, and their gallantry is in keeping
with the high traditions of the county.
Well-Deserved Leave
In business houses, shops and factories in the district men of the B.E.F. have told
their stories to their former colleagues. They are spending their well-deserved leave in
looking-up old friends, reliving the immediate past and preparing for the unknown
future.
Despite the hardships and frightfulness already endured, not one of the men who
returned safely is dismayed. In every case there is a determination to play the full part
in the destruction of the Nazi and Fascist regimes, and in every case there is nothing
but confidence of an allied victory.
More news has been received in Reading and district of local men who have been
killed or wounded in action. In some cases, however, relatives have not even the poor
consolation of definite knowledge, official messages merely stating the unhappy
phrase, “Missing, believed killed.”

BISHOP’S SON DEAD
nd
News has been received of the death of 2 . Lieut. Alec Hugh Wright, fourth son of
Bishop G.W. Wright and Mrs. Wright, of Glendower, 8, Crescent Rod, Wokingham.
Mr. Wright, who was 21 years of age, was educated at Weymouth College, and was
due to go to St. Peter’s Hall, Oxford, when war broke out. Having taken his O.T.C.
certificate at college, he at once applied for, and was granted, a commission in the
Green Howards. He received training at Sandhurst, and went to France early in April.
Bishop Wright arrived home on leave from his diocese in North Africa shortly before
his son went abroad. His diocese includes Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, and the
entry of Italy into the war is naturally of great personal concern to him.
nd
The death of 2 . Lieut. Wright is a matter of sorrow to many people in Wokingham,
for he was well-known in the town. Last summer he joined the Wokingham Cricket
Club, and proved himself a useful member. He had had a successful cricket career in
Weymouth. The family have lived at Wokingham since 1935.

th
Sat 6 July
BABY SHOW RESULT
A total of £22 was raised by the Baby Show held last week in aid of the comforts
Fund for the local men who returned from Dunkirk.

BRITISH SAILORS SOCIETY
The street collection for the British Sailors’ Society last Saturday realised £25 17s.
5d., a record for the town and more than double the highest total of any previous year.
Mrs. A. Andrews was the organiser.

RIFLE CLUB OPENED
In spite of the short notice given, the opening night of the Wokingham and District
Rifle Club was quite successful, nearly thirty taking part in the drill, under the
direction of R.S.M. Martin. Some excellent results were obtained, even by beginners,
coached by Mr. Ward, ex-musketry instructor, and others. Old soldiers are invited to
attend a refresher course, and an air-gun range is being fitted up for young people at
ten rounds per penny. All are welcome to attend free of charge on Friday evenings

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