The career of a popular member of the Bucks Territorial Regiment, and a man well known in business and social circles in Newport Pagnell and a very wide district, has been cut chort by the lamented death in action on the Somme of Corpl. Percy John Odell. Thirty-seven years of age, and the eldest of three sons of Mr. And Mrs. John Odell, of Newport Pagnell, Corpl. Percy Odell was educated at the National schools of his native town, and after a period at Bedford Grammar School he went to Windsor, and was for some years with the late Mr. Thomas before returning again to Newport Pagnell to assist his father in his extensive business as general and furnishing ironmonger and seedsman.

In earlier years he was a member of the Bucks Volunteer Corps, and proved himself a splendid soldier and a first-class rifle shot. No one more than Corpl. Odell realised the value of rifle shooting, and very few in this district worked with greater zeal and keeness to stimulate among the young men of the town an interest in work which should fit them when occasion arose to take their place in the defence of the old country.

He took an exceptionally deep interest in the formation of the Newport Pagnell Rifle Club, and worked hard for the success of that very useful organisation. For a period he was assistant secretary, and on the retirement of the late Sergt.-Major G. F. Trimmer he was appointed to the office of secretary. He more than once was included in the team that shot for the Astor Cup, and he had also taken part in competitions on the Bisley ranges.

In addition to the exceptional interest he took in shooting with the service rifle he was no less enthusiastic with the miniature weapon, recognising its value as an aid to marksmanship. When Mr. Carlile presented the miniature range in the grounds of the Unionist Club Corpl. Odell was the one who designed and superintended the building of the range. As with the service rifle so also with the miniature he was an excellent shot and represented the Newport Pagnell Club in the competitions held in the North Crawley range winning several prizes.

When the war came Corporal Odell at once recognised where his duty lay. Only an hour or so after the declaration of war he threw in his lot with the Bucks Territorial Battalion and offered himself for active service. No one was more enthusiastic than he to serve his country; no one had a higher ideal of what that service demanded.

After training at Chelmsford his regiment went to France some 20 months ago, and on the western front they have taken part in some of the hardest fights and have distinguished themselves by their bravery.

Corporal Odell was one of the most popular and best liked men in the Battalion, and it is known that his abilities had marked him for promotion. But he was happy in the company only of "the Boys" - as he was proud to call his comrades in the ranks, - and it was only after much persuasion that he consented to accept the corporal's stripes. He was a soldier possessing that indomitable pluck and courage which at once commanded admiration. Only a few months ago he was wounded in action, and after recovering he spent a brief leave at home with his parents and friends, and subsequently returned to the western battlefield with a Draft of the Oxford and Bucks. L.I., and it was whilst heroically fighting with that regiment that he met his death on October 7th.

The sad news occasioned very deep and genuine sorrow among all classes in Newport Pagnell. A good sportsman and a thorough gentleman in every sense of the word, to know the late Corpl. Odell was to honour and respect him. In the distressing bereavement which the war has brought into their household Mr. and Mrs. Odell may be assured of the heartfelt sympathy of their numerous friends in the town and district.

The first intimation that Corpl. Odell had made the great sacrifice was conveyed to the parents in the following letter from the Rev. C. H. Hadfield, chaplain of the forces, and received on Thursday, October 19:

"Dear Mr. Odell, I deeply regret to have to tell you that your son, Corpl. Odell, has been reported killed in the recent fighting. Our men showed great bravery and attacked with complete success, but unfortunately not a few were called upon to make the supreme sacrifice for their country. We shall miss your son. May I offer you our sincere sympathy for you in your loss. May God give comfort to you and yours."

On Sunday last the news was confirmed by an official communication from the Army Council, in which was enclosed a kindly and sympathetic message from the King and Queen.

The late Corpl. Odell was a staunch churchman, was a sidesman of the parish church, a member of the C.E.M.S., and frequently helped as a teacher in the Sunday School. He was also a Past Master of the SS. Peter and Paul Lodge of Freemasons. In politics he was a Conservative and took a prominent part in the establishment and future success of the Unionist Working Men's Club.