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Trade Marks: “B.L.” – “Bell” – “Flying Alligator”
A small building saw the commencement of the above business and since its birth in 1891 it has grown and prospered continually. No less than four extensions have been made and the last, in 1915, added very considerably to the capacity of the factory. The firm have all the latest and best machinery and every appliance for the production of best and medium class footwear. The goods are known as thoroughly reliable and no less are countenanced by the firm who have an enviable reputation for honest and upright trading.
A large export trade has for years been done, and Mr. Ladds has agents in West Indies, South Africa, India, Egypt, Italy, France, and in fact all parts of the world. The goods produced are best and medium in Goodyear Welts, M.S. and Standard Screwed. At the present time the firm are making Army boots for the British and Allied Governments.
Mr. Ladds has always taken a keen interest in local affairs and has given much time and attention for the betterment of Rushden and its inhabitants. He has been a Member of the Board of Guardians for 15 years, and is President of the local St. John Ambulance Association.
A son of Mr. Ladds, Gunner B. H. Ladds, R.G.A., is with the 54th H.A.G. in France.
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The Rushden Echo, 8th December, 1916
Soldier at Home - Gunner Hugh Ladds - Selected for a Commission
Gunner Hugh Ladds, Royal Garrison Artillery, son of Mr. Benjamin Ladds, boot manufacturer, of Rushden, is at home on a month’s leave, after five months’ service in France, and it is gratifying to know that he has been selected for a commission in the RGA. He enlisted 14 months ago. At the conclusion of his leave he will join a Cadet Unit for further training. Gunner Ladds is only 19 years of age, and it is, we believe, very unusual for one so young to receive a commission in the RGA.
While at the front he was under shell fire a few times. Much of his work was in connection with the signalling section. He was at the headquarters, about a mile and a half behind the firing line. Among other things he has seen a great deal of aerial activity, and has witnessed the bringing down of a lot of German aeroplanes, one being fetched down only the day before he came away.
The general feeling at the front, he says, is one of thorough optimism, the soldiers there being quite satisfied with the progress we are making. The spirit of the troops is excellent.
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Rushden Echo, 24th August 1917
Gunner B H Ladds, son of Mr Benjamin Ladds, boot manufacturer, of Rushden, has been given a commission in the Royal Garrison Artillery.
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Gunner B H Ladds
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