William George RAMPLING

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