|
Frampton Mr (RSM) Thomas
Gordon Frampton MM
(14419461)
Died in Chapeltown, Sheffield on 6th February 2007 after a short
illness.
He was born in Barnstaple, Devon, on 24th October 1924 and
enlisted into the Rifle Brigade on 26th January 1943.
On completion of training at Winchester he transferred to the
Commandos where he was wounded in a raid. On recovery he joined
the 1st Bn KOYLI in Palestine and was with them in Sicily and then
Italy.
He won his MM on 1st April 1944 at Anzio while still a private
soldier, He was a lone Bren gunner defending a cut off position
against a German counter attack on a beachhead flank.
He was in North West Europe with the Battalion in Cyprus up to the
River Elbe, by then he was a company sniper.
He remained in service after the war serving as a weapons training
instructor in the UK and had a period with 1 Somerset Light
Infantry. He rejoined 1 KOYLI in Kenya and was a CSM with 46
Commando in Cyprus.
He again rejoined 1 KOYLI in Hilden in 1957, then Malaya in 1963.
He was Garrison Sergeant Major in Sennelager in 1965 and in Cyprus
in 1969. As RSM he returned to 1 KOYLI in 1972 ending
his service as RSM Recruiter in Sheffield.
He retired in 1979, taking up a position as Executive Officer with
the Manpower services commission until 1989. He returned to
Barnstaple that year but returned to Chapeltown, Sheffield, in
1997.
Mr Frampton was a proud regimental soldier, he was a character
known to all. In addition he was Army standard rugby player and
boxer. his abiding passion was the turf, he was rarely without the
Racing Post.
For many reasons he will be missed by the regiment.
Our condolences go to his widow and family.
He was an excellent CSM in Hilden and fond memories are held by
many people who served with him.
This is the only photo I have of Gordon, if anyone else has photos
of Gordon in the Army or after please send to me
les2370@hotmail.com
Top
Hi
I have some fond memories of Fram. I can honestly say that he was
my roll model he along side Jimmy Lea was probably the best CSM I
served under.
He was hard but fair, he once rescued me from the clutches of
Geordie Joyce the Provost Corporal after he had charged me four
times whilst on ‘Jankers’.
During this period he asked me to wait on at a Serjeants Mess
function rather than do Jankers.
During the function I have memory of Fram leading a conga through
the mess including the kitchens and the sleeping accommodation,
the conga went upstairs with him in it and came down without him
and a school teacher of course he was a single man then
The last time I met him was at Shrewsbury when he was RSM at
Beaconsfield. It was my first parade as RSM and my dog at
literally ate my Sam Brown. Fram kindly lent me his. Fram was a
great rugby player having played for the Army in his youth.
I think Fram took the best Company drill parade I ever saw He was
such a good laugh That you wanted to do your best for him. I
suppose that’s why his company always won the company drill
competition. The one I always always remember and often used it my
self was 2 Imagine you have the biggest cock in the world and it
is hanging out ! be proud of your self”
OF Course he had served through the war and had won the MM.
I hope this will be of some help
Best wishes Arnie Fothergill ex bugle Major
Old soldiers never die they only fade away
Top
Hi Cede,
On our sister site it was posted that WO 2 Frampton has passed
away.
I have met Gorden, he was in Hilden, Pontefract and maybe Malaya,
A large jovial fellow, enjoyed a pint, and soldiering.
Last time I met him was at Sheffield Recruiting Office, late
70’s..
Tim Humphreys
Top
Hi TimHump
Met CSM Frampton in 1960 when i was in the bugles in Hilden, he
was a very nice person, he looked after his soldiers
In Pontefract 1n 1961 my eldest brother took a sick note to Ponti
barracks for me prior to Malaya, CSM Frampton was in the HQ
office, he realized it was me who was the person on the sick
note,he invited my brother to the sjts mess for a drink
He was my boss in Sheffield from 76 to 78 on recruiting, I helped
him moved to an house in Sheffield from his married quarter — He
was a great KOYLI soldier –
I last met Fram a few years ago in the ASDA, Sheffield, he looked
frail, he didnt recognize me at first when I said ‘Is it Mr
Frampton Sir ?’ — Then his recognition came into gear and his
transformed into a grin as he warmly shook my hand in his. We had
a short chat, but I failed to get his home address ??
Cede Nullis
Les
Top
Hi Les
I am very sorry to here about CSM Frampton, I new him in Hilden,
Germany, my best recollection of him, was when him and Yingtong
was marching there companys on to the parade square, they would
march us for an head on collision, and niether of them would give
way, good blokes, good days.
Very sad.
alsithi.
LesT
Top
Hi Cede, Les,
The Light Infantry Depot Site, and as you mentioned Les, Yingtong
and Gorden were men of iron, a little rusty or seemed to be but
both knew about men.
Tim.
Top
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of
Gordon Frampton (CSM), an honest and true Gentleman. Though I was
B Coy, I like so many others, shared my time with Gordon whilst in
the Regiment, in Germany, Pontefract Malaya and Tidworth.
May those who knew him equally as well, share in the loss of a
Comrade.
Like so many others before us,
“GOD SPEED”!
Alec Skelson (Rock A–)
Top
Hi
Recieved this E mail from Jack Leeming, he was a bandsman in the
KOYLI when I was a Bugler/L/Cpl/Cpl/ — He went up and up in the
Bands ranks Finally becoming Band Master — Or even higher not sure
Top
Hi
Les,
What a great web site. Wonderful photos of people I’d almost
forgotten. Jack Smiley, Ginger Clayton, Jim Whitehead etc.
I’m sure that you have already learnt of the passing of Gordon
Frampton MM recently. HQ CSM in Tidworth 1966/67. Great old-school
sgt major whose muster parades were always something to remember
as he asked depts to report.
‘Grease Monkeys’ [LAD], ‘Ration Destroyers - dirty bastards’
[cooks], and ;Band’ [usually said with a distinct lisp and a wave
of the wrist!!]
They don’t make ‘em like that any more - some might say thank
goodness - but at least he was memorable. Stand down Gordon.
Keep up the good work Les - The KOYLI band club get together in
May at Scarborough. Always a good attendance and much supping of
pints. BSM Bill Grainger still closes the bar as last man out and
gets us all up for breakfast at 9.00 - and he’s about 92 now.
A lot of people there you will remember - Jim Wood, Jack Boden,
Frank Townend, Baz Fozzard, Billy Hole, Tween Masterman - the list
goes on and on.
Good wishes
Jack Leeming (Band master Light Division)
Cede Nullis — What memories of a lovely chap
Top |
