Thank you to Wendy Shuttleworth for the following research.
Charles Henry Robert Chapman was born on the 29th June 1885 in Chelsea, London and baptised on the 26th July 1885 at St. Peter’s Church, Cranley Gardens Chelsea. He was the son of Arthur Charles, a painter and Alice Eliza. They lived at 51 Arthur Street (now Dovehouse Street) in Chelsea.
In the 1891 Census, the family has now moved to Dorking and are living at 53 Dene Street Dorking. Charles’ father is listed as working as a house decorator and 6 year old Charles is at school.
In the 1901 Census Charles is still living in Dorking but now living with his grandmother and uncle at 27 Dene Street. He is working as an assistant butcher.
Charles enlisted in Guildford into the 6th Battalion of the Royal West Surrey Regiment, number G/7608.
He was killed in action on 9th April 1917 in France. His body was never found and Charles is commemorated on the Arras Memorial in Pas de Calais, Bay 2. At the time of his death Charles was a Corporal.
“A SOLDIER AND A MAN”
The death in action has taken place of Corpl. Charles Chapman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Chapman, of 2 Harrowgate Gardens, Dorking. He enlisted as a musician in the Queen’s over 14 years ago, and was for nearly nine years with his regiment in India. He remained in the band till the war broke out, when the other members for the most part were drafted into the infantry line. He went out to France just a year ago, and was killed by a bullet shot in the head on Easter Monday. His platoon commander writes to his parents:- “He was one of my most efficient N.C.O.’s, and we will all suffer from his death. He died a soldier and a man, and perhaps this will serve as some comfort to you in your sorrow.” Corpl. Chapman was an old St. Paul’s School boy, and Congregational Sunday school scholar. Before entering the Army he was in the employ of Mr. A. J. Fuller, His father has for the last two years been serving in the Royal Defence Corps.
Charles Chapman Death Notice © Dorking Advertiser findmypast.co.uk
“A SOLDIER AND A MAN”
Corpl. C. CHAPMAN
Queen’s R. W. S. Regt.
“He died a soldier and a man,” these are the words of the platoon commander of Corpl. Charles Chapman, who, as already reported, has been killed in action. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Chapman, 2, Harrowgate Gardens, Dorking.
Charles Henry Robert Chapman Death Notice © Dorking Advertiser findmypast.co.uk
At the time of Charles’ death Arthur and Alice were living at 2 Harrowgate Gardens, Dorking.
| Born | Chelsea, London | |
| Lived | Dorking, Surrey | |
| Son of | Arthur Charles and Alice Eliza of Dene Street, Dorking | |
| Regiment | 6th Battalion. Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment | |
| Number | G/7608 | |
| Date of Death | 9th April 1917 | |
| Place of Death | France | |
| Cause of Death | Killed in action | |
| Age | 32 | |
| Memorial | Arras Memorial, France |
