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William George RAMPLING

Main CPGW Record

Surname: RAMPLING

Forename(s): William George

Place of Birth: Lavenham, Suffolk

Service No: 265179

Rank: Private

Regiment / Corps / Service: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)

Battalion / Unit: 'A' Coy 1/6th Battalion

Division: 49th (West Riding) Division

Age: 22

Date of Death: 1917-10-09

Awards: ---

CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: VI. D. 12.

CWGC Cemetery: DOCHY FARM NEW BRITISH CEMETERY

CWGC Memorial: ---

Non-CWGC Burial: ---

Local War Memorial: SKIPTON, YORKSHIRE

Additional Information:

William George Rampling was the son of Arthur James and Emily Sarah Rampling, née Smithers. Arthur was born at Lavenham, Suffolk and Emily at Byfleet, Surrey. William was the brother-in-law of Gunner Ernest Sherwood (231602) (q.v.).

1901 Lavenham, Suffolk Census: Common - Willie Rampling, aged 5 years, born Lavenham, son of Ar. and Emily Rampling.

1911 Skipton, Yorkshire Census: 58, Russell Street - William Rampling, aged 15 years, born, London, Middlesex, son of Arthur and Emily Rampling.

William was married to Marian Teal in 1915.

British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte William Rampling, 1808 & 265179, 3/6th Bn West Riding Regiment. Theatre of War first served in: 1 - France. Date of entry therein: 14 April 1915.

William was killed in action close to Poelcappelle [Poelkapelle] during the Battles of Ypres, 1917, 31 July-10 November, at the Battle of Poelcappelle, 9 October.

See also: ‘Guiseley Terriers: A Small Part in The Great War – A History of the 1/6th Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment’ by Stephen Barber (2018).

Data Source: Craven’s Part in the Great War - original CPGW book entry

View Entry in CPGW Book

Entry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record:

RAMPLING, Wm. George, aged 22, West Riding Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Rampling, 40, Russell Street, Skipton, killed in action Oct. 9, 1917.

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Private William George RAMPLING

Private William George RAMPLING

Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)

Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)

Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 49th (West Riding) Division

Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 49th (West Riding) Division

Data from Soldiers Died in the Great War 1914 - 1919 Records

Soldiers Died Data for Soldier Records

Surname: RAMPLING

Forename(s): William

Born: Lavenham, Suffolk

Residence: Accrington, Lancs

Enlisted: Skipton, Yorks

Number: 265179

Rank: Private

Regiment: Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)

Battalion: 1/6th Battalion

Decorations:

Died Date: 09/10/17

Died How: Killed in action

Theatre of War: France & Flanders

Notes:

Data from Commonwealth War Graves Commission Records

CWGC Data for Soldier Records

Surname: RAMPLING

Forename(s): W

Country of Service: United Kingdom

Service Number: 265179

Rank: Private

Regiment: Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)

Unit: 1st/6th Bn.

Age:

Awards:

Died Date: 09/10/1917

Additional Information: (CWGC Headstone Personal Inscription: FOR ALL OF US HE DID HIS BEST GOD GRANT TO HIM ETERNAL REST)

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View Craven Herald Articles

View Craven Herald Articles

Craven Herald and Wensleydale Standard Logo

15 September 1916

PTE. GEORGE BOND OF SKIPTON, KILLED IN A DUG-OUT

Letters have been received by Mr. and Mrs. George Thomas Bond, of Roger’s Yard, Sheep Street, Skipton, stating that their only son, Private George Bond, of the 1/6th Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, was killed on Sunday of last week through the bursting of an enemy shell near his dug-out. Only 19 years of age, deceased enlisted twelve months ago last Whitsuntide and had been in France some seven months. In civil life he was employed as under-gardener at Whinfield, Skipton, and had played Association Football with various junior clubs in the district.

One of the letters received by the parents is signed by three of his comrades and contains the following:– “It is with regret that we write to inform you of your son’s death, which occurred on Sunday morning. Being his pals we thought it our place to show our sympathy by writing to you. Your son was well liked by the other members of our gun team, as he took such an interest in his work. He always had a cheery word for everybody. You will no doubt miss him, and his place here will be hard to fill. We hope God will strengthen you in the great hour of need and help you to bear the pain. No doubt by the time you receive this letter, you will have been informed by the War Office that he was in a dug-out with other members of the team when a German shell hit the dug-out, causing his death instantly. He suffered no pain whatever. We attended his memorial service on the same day at the graveside, and we can assure you that he was put to rest with others who had fought for their King and Country. Hoping these few lines of ours will help to cheer you up.

“Yours sincerely, Corporal G. G. Brown, Private F. Clarke, Private W. Rampling”

Another letter, signed by James Stockdale, conveys similar news, and the writer, after expressing his sympathy, adds:– “He was such a good fellow and well liked by all the officers, N.C.O.s and men of his Company, and his absence will be much felt by all the Company.”

19 October 1917

RAMPLING – Killed in action in Flanders on October 9th 1917, Private William George Rampling, Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Rampling, 40 Russell Street, Skipton, aged 22 years.

19 October 1917

PRIVATE WILLIAM GEORGE RAMPLING

Another local Territorial who was killed during last weeks advance in Flanders was Private William George Rampling, Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Rampling, 40, Russell Street, Skipton. Private Walter Gibson, who lives in Cross Street, Broughton Road, Skipton, is at present at home on leave and has called to tell Mr. and Mrs. Rampling that their son was killed on the 9th inst., and that he was within a few yards of him when he fell, and afterwards assisted at his burial.

Deceased, who was twenty-two years of age, was mobilised with the local Territorials at the outbreak of war, and proceeded to France in April 1915. He was formerly a foreman doffer at Belle View Mills, and played football with Niffany Rovers. His wife and child are at present residing at Accrington. Another brother, Private Ernest Rampling, is serving in France with the Northumberland Fusiliers.

08 October 1920

RAMPLING – In ever loving memory of our dear son and brother, Pte. Willie Rampling, who was killed in action, October 9th, 1917.

So far away from those who love him,
Comrades laid him down to rest;
In a hero’s grave he’s sleeping – Our loved one – one of the best.

From his loving Mother and Father, Sisters and Brothers, 58 Russell Street, Skipton.

RAMPLING – In loving remembrance of my dear brother, Pte. Willie Rampling, who was killed in action, October 9th, 1917.

Death often comes to show
We love more dearly than we know;
But love in death should let us see
What love in life ought to be.

From his Sister and Brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Chester, 4 Brown’s Yard, Skipton.

07 October 1921

RAMPLING – In loving remembrance of Pte. Willie Rampling, who fell in action, Oct. 9th, 1917, aged 22 years.

Sleep on, dear son and brother, in a soldier’s grave,
Your life for your country you nobly gave;
No one stood by you to say good-bye,
Safe fn God’s keeping you surely lie.
Too far away thy grave to see,
Yet not too far to think of thee.

From your loving Mother, Father, Brothers and Sister, 58 Russell Street, Skipton.

RAMPLING – In loving remembrance of my brother, Pte. Willie Rampling, killed Oct. 9th, 1917.

Only a memory of by-gone days,
And a sigh for a face unseen,
But a constant feeling that God alone
Knows best what might have been.

From his loving Sister and Brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Chester, 4 Brown’s Yard. Skipton

View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles

View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles

West Yorkshire Pioneer Logo

15 September 1916

PTE. GEORGE BOND KILLED IN ACTION

Mr. and Mrs. George Thomas Bond, of 16 Roger’s Yard, Skipton, have received word that their only son, Private George Bond, of the West Riding Regiment, has been killed in action on the Western Front. Pte. Bond enlisted twelve months ago last Whitsuntide, and had been in France about seven months. He was 19 years of age, and was formerly employed as an under-gardener by the late Mr. T.H. Dewhurst, of Whinfield, Skipton. He was well-known in local football circles.

In a letter to his parents, James Stockdale, of the same regiment, states:– “It is my painful duty to inform you of the death of your son, Pte. George Bond. He was in a dug-out. I might say that death was instantaneous, and he suffered no pain. May I offer my deepest sympathy to you. He was such a good fellow, and was liked by all the officers, N.C.O.s and men of his Company, and his absence will be much felt by all the Company.”

Another letter received by the deceased soldier’s parents states:– “It is with regret that we write to inform you of your son’s death, which occurred on Sunday morning, and with us being his pals we thought it our place to show our sympathy in writing you. He was well liked by the other members of our gun team, as he took such an interest in his work. He always had a cheery word for everybody. You will no doubt miss him, and his place will be hard to fill. Hoping God will strengthen you in the great hour of need and help you to bear the pain. No doubt about the time you receive this letter you will have been informed by the War Office. He was in a dug-out with other members of the team when a German shell hit the dug-out, causing his death instantly. He had no pain whatever. We attended his memorial service on the same day at the graveside. We can assure you that he was put to rest with others who had fought for their King and Country. Hoping these few lines of ours will help to cheer you up. Yours sincerely, Corporal G. G. Brown, Private F. Clarke, Private W. Rampling”

19 October 1917

RAMPLING – Killed in action, October 9th, Pte. William George Rampling, of the Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Rampling, of 40, Russell Street, Skipton, aged 22.

19 October 1917

SKIPTON CASUALTIES

PTE. W. G. RAMPLING KILLED IN ACTION

Pte. William George Rampling, of the Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Rampling, of 40, Russell Street, Skipton, was killed in action on October 9th. News to this effect was received by Mr. and Mrs. Rampling from Pte. Walter Gibson, of Cross Street, Broughton Road, Skipton, who is at present home on leave from the front, and who was near when he fell and also assisted in burying him. Pte. Rampling, who was 22 years of age, was connected with the local Territorials prior to the war, and went out with his regiment in April, 1915. He was formerly was formerly employed as foreman doffer at the Belle Vue Mills. He leaves a widow and one child who at present reside at Accrington. He was well-known in local football circles, being a playing member of the Niffany Rovers Club. Mr. and Mrs. Rampling have another son serving in France, Pte. Ernest Rampling, who is attached to the Northumberland Fusiliers.

04 October 1918

In loving remembrance of Pte. Willie Rampling , who was killed in action Oct. 9th, 1917.

Far away in a hero’s grave
Lies my dear son amongst the brave;
A faithful son, both true and kind,
A beautiful memory left behind.

– From his loving Mother and Father, Brothers and Sisters.

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