James William Crampton
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
James William (Willie) was the son of James and Sarah Jane Crampton. His father was born in Grantham and his mother in Bilston, Staffordshire. It is likely that they were married in 1890 (James Crampton and Sarah Willett 1890 J/A/S Basford). They had at least four children: Sarah Jane b. 1891 (O/N/D Basford), James William b. 1893 (J/A/S Basford), Richard C b. abt 1895 (possibly Richard Clement b. 1895 O/N/D Basford) and Arthur Kenneth b. 1901 (J/F/M Nottingham). In 1891 James (23) a coal miner, and Sarah (20) were living at 72 Deptford Street, Bulwell. By 1901 they had moved to 61 Deptford Street, Bulwell. James and Sarah now had four children; Sarah (9), James (7), Richard (5) and Arthur (3 months). Arthur Kenneth, known as 'Kennie', died on 5 December 1901 aged 50 weeks. James' mother died on 25 May 1907 aged 36 and was buried in Nottingham Northern Cemetery on 29 May. His father married Annie Wilkinson in 1910 (O/N/D Nottingham). The family has not yet been traced on the 1911 Census but the family home was at 51 Northcote Street, Bulwell, when James enlisted on 1 December 1914 and this is also the address given on the later CWGC record. James' stepmother, Annie Crampton, died on 13 February 1927 aged 65. His father probably died in 1931 (March Nottingham) aged 62.
James attested at Nottingham 1 December 1914 aged 21 years and 3 months. He was posted to 2nd Battalion Rifle Brigade and joined at Winchester Barracks on 2 December 1914. Following training he joined the British Expeditionary Force arriving on the Western Front on 17 May 1915. He was awarded the Military Medal on 10 August 1916 and promoted to corporal on 25 August 1916. On 15th September 1916 during an action at Hullock he was struck by a bullet to the head and lost consciousness. Operated on immediately, he survived but was left with damage to his right arm and left eye. He was evacuated to England on 23 November 1916 and awarded the Silver War Badge. James may have been discharged from the Army in early 1917. A report of a Medical Board on 10 January 1917 in his service documents reads, 'Cause of discharge ‘medically unfit, GSW head’. In action 15.9.16 Hullock. Struck by (-) to head, lost consciousness for some time, operated on same day. General health improving. He is up and comfortable. Weakness in right arm much improved. Wears a skull cap. Symptoms: headaches chiefly. Sight of left eye improving. Permanent. Total as present.’ James died on 13 January 1919 and is buried in the family grave at Nottingham Northern Cemetery.
Inscription on grave, Nottingham Northern Cemetery, Bulwell: 'In loving memory of Sarah Jane the beloved wife of James Crampton who fell asleep in Jesus May 25th 1907 aged 36 years. Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end. Also of Kennie son of the above who died Decr. 5th 1901 aged 50 weeks (interred Bulwell churchyard). Safe in the arms of Jesus. Also James Willie their son who died Jany. 13th 1919 in his 26th year. Duty in France nobly done. Also of Annie wife of the above named James Crampton who died Feby. 13th 1927 aged 65 years. Rest in Peace.' Registers of Soldiers' Effects: his father James was his legatee. James' record is annotated 'died after discharge'.
