Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of William Henry Gamble, a stocking framework knitter, born 1863 in Countesthorpe, Leicestershire and his wife Mary Rebecca Gamble (nee Asher, married in the 3rd quarter of 1881 in the Blaby, Leicestershire district), born 1861 in Dunton Bassett, Leicestershire. William Armston was born in the 4th quarter of 1896 in Countesthorpe, his siblings were, John Thomas, a railway wagon repairer, born 1882, Maria, a griswold hosiery worker, born 1884, Joseph, a griswold hosiery worker, born 1886, Reuben Flude, a hosiery trade winder, born in the 4th quarter of 1888, Ellen May, born 1892, Alice Amelia, born 1895 and Lucy, born 1900, all his siblings were born in Countesthorpe, in March 1901 the family home was at New Street, Countesthorpe. In April 1911 William was employed as a hosiery trade worker and was residing in the family home at Cow Lane, Countesthorpe, together with his father, a hosiery trade worker, his mother, a hosiery trade worker and his siblings, Reuben, a hosiery trade worker, Ellen, a hosiery trade worker, Alice, a hosiery trade worker, Lucy, a schoolgirl and Ivy Vera, born 1906 in Countesthorpe. William first entered the theatre of war in France on the 2nd March 1915, he was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry and also the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals. His elder brother Reuben fell in action in July 1916.
William saved the life of a comrade, Private Jack Jones who whilst souvenir hunting in a captured enemy trench was grabbed by a seemingly dead German soldier, who then began to strangle him, William coming upon the scene quickly pulled out his bayonet and killed the German soldier thereby saving the life of his comrade, who survived the war to return home to tell the tale.
On Friday December 1st 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “DISTRICT WAR ITEMS.” – HONOURS FOR SILEBY SOLDIERS. During the past few weeks three men belonging to Sileby have been the recipients of honours for deeds on the battlefield. Lance-Corpl. W. H. Jones has received the Military Medal for bravery. The action for which he receives the honour is described as “serving his gun when all other men of his team had been shot down.” He enlisted in the Leicester’s at the outbreak of the war, and was attached to the machine gun section. He is 22 years of age, and was previously employed at Donisthorpe Colliery. His parents reside on Cossington-road. Corporal W. Gamble has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. He enlisted at the outbreak of war, also in the Leicester’s, and went to France in February 1915. Previous to enlisting he was a prominent member of the Excelsior Football Club. His parents reside in Albion-road. Pte. Percy White enlisted in June, 1915 in the Worcester’s, and has seen service in Egypt and France. He has been awarded the Military Cross for bravery, and coolness in carrying despatches under fire. He is 20 years of age, and was formerly employed in the boot trade at Rothley. His parents reside in Seagrave-road, Sileby.
The War Diary records: 6-9 Dec-16 - BIENVILLERS sector. The Battalion relieved the 5th Battalion WEST YORKSHIRE REGIMENT in the HANNESCAMPS sector (i.c. E.11.a. 4/9 to E.17.a. 3/3 map ref. FONQUEVILLERS 57 D. N.E. 1/10,000) Relief completed 12.30 noon. Six days tour.
On Friday December 29th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “DISTRICT WAR ITEMS.” – SILEBY SOLDIER KILLED. – Information has been received by his parents, who live at Albion-road, Sileby, that Corpl. W. Gamble was killed in action on December 7th. He enlisted in the Leicester’s at the commencement of the war, and had been at the front since February, 1915. He was 20 years old. Previous to enlisting he was employed at St. Margaret’s Works, Leicester, and was a prominent member of the Excelsior Football Club. A short time ago he was awarded the Military Medal. In a sympathetic letter to deceased’s parents, the adjutant of the battalion says:- “Corpl. Gamble was a most efficient soldier of the very best type, always loyal to the officers and men, and beloved by all who knew him. He was at all times most dutiful, and we have lost a splendid N.C.O. and soldier.” Corpl. Gamble is the second son his parents have lost in the war, the other having been killed in action on July 14th.
In January 1917 The Leicester Mercury published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL MEN IN THE CASUALTY LISTS” - The following local casualties are reported under various dates. All are Private’s except where otherwise shown. The town shown against each soldiers name is the home of his next-of-kin. The following casualties are included in the official lists issued for publication this afternoon. KILLED. LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT. Gamble, 2266 Cpl. W (Sileby).