No.52070, Rifleman, William Arthur RUFFLES
Aged 19
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William Arthur RUFFLES was born in Rougham on 12th May (Thingoe Q2-1898 4A:806), baptised on 1st January 1899 in Rougham St Mary's, son of Arthur George
and Ellen Matilda RUFFLES (née FEAKES).
CWGC have RUFFELS.. 1901 census...Aged 2, he was at The Cottages, Rougham with his father Arthur RUFFLES [34] shepherd; his mother Ellen [25]; sisters Alice [12], Rosetta [10] and Kate [8]/All except William were born in Bardwell. 1911 census...Aged 12, he was at Ixworth Thorpe with his parents and sister Alice and Kate. |
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He enlisted in Bury St.Edmunds around January 1916
His battalion had been in the line, support and reserve along the Steenbeck and at Foch Farm. Without his service records it cannot be confirmed where or when he was wounded The Bury Free Press of 8th June 1918 reported:- BARDWELL LAD DIES OF WOUNDS "I have to acquaint your with the sad news of the death of your son, Rifleman William A,Ruffles, R.I.R, who was wounded by a bomb on April 24th and died on the way to hospital." The above is an extract from a letter received by Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Ruffles, of Know Lane, Bardwell, concerning the fate of their only son. The deceased soldier enlisted in theSuffolk Yeomanry in Jan.1916 being in training at Culford. He was afterwards transferred to the Warwickshire Regiment and upon being drafted to France was transferred to the 15th Royal Irish Rifles. Rifleman Ruffles had been home on leave, and had only been back in France 20 days when he met his death. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved parents in their sorrow.
photo: nick_2 via warmemorialsonline,org.uk photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission and commemorated on his family headstone in Bardwell churchyard click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
