CHAPMAN, Samuel


No.5558, Guardsman, Samuel CHAPMAN
Aged 29


2nd Battalion, Coldstream Guards
Died of Illness on Friday, 13th August 1915


Samuel Chapman was born in Barnardiston (Risbridge Q1-1886 4A:641), son of George and Susan Ann CHAPMAN (née LING).

1891 census...Aged 5, he was at Church End, Barnardiston with his father George CHAPMAN [31] farm labourer; his mother Susan [30] born Great Wratting; brothers Frederic [9] and Walter 7]; sisters Mary Ann [1] and Harriet [2 months], grandmother widow Elizabeth CHAPMAN [64]

1901 census...Aged 15, pit lad at colliery,he was at 72, Hooton Road, Swinton, Yorkshire with his uncle Thomas CHAPMAN [37] sewerage worker born Barnardiston, aunt Mary and cousin Sam, together with his brother Frederick (sewerage navvy). His parents were at No2 Church End, Barnardiston with his brothers Walter (carter on farm), John [2];sisters Mary and Elizabeth [7]. The new siblings also born in Barnardiston.

His mother died in 1908

1911 census...Aged 25 m he was in Aldershot in the 2nd Bn Coldstream Guards. His widower father was in Barnardiston with his his Elizabeth and brother John.





He enlisted in Rotherham. Originally not recorded by CWGC, Rodney Gibson of Kedington, together with "In from the Cold" were successful on 1st July 2015 in having Samuel recognised on the National Book of Remembrance. His CWGC headstone was installed in October 2018
Samuel enlisted in Rotherham on 20th May 1904, giving his age as 19 born Barnardiston, a miner's labourer, he was 5 feet 9.75 inches (177 cm) tall, weighed 139 lbs (63.2 kg), chest 34 to 37" (85.4 to 94 cm), grey eyes, dark hair, Wesleyan. Next of kin his father George,mother Susan and brothers Frederic, Walter and John, all in Barnardiston.

He was in UK until 29th September 1906, having extended his service to 4 years with the colours on 20th August 1906. He was then posted to Egypt where he remained until 14th February 1908. He then extended his service to 7 years in the colours and was placed on Reserve on 20th May 1911.
Mobilised in August 1914 he joined the BEF in France on 12th August. Admitted to hospital in Dunkerque on 24th November 1914 e was evacuated to UK on 23rd December 1915. He had a history of coughing and active service greatly aggravated this and a quiescent condition became active and he was medically discharged on 15th May 1915. He went to the Sanitorium in Bury St.Edmunds and died of tuberculosis on 13th August 1915.

This is another instance where he was surely entitled to the clasp to the 1914 Star, but for whatever reason, it was not claimed. The clasp was only instituted in 1919, had to be claimed and checked against Army records, and many families seemed to be unaware of this.




photo: jmc4 church explorer



Samuel Chapman is buried in Bardardiston (All Saints) Churchyard

click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details


BACK to Barnardiston home page