South Warwickshire Family History Society War Memorial Transcription Project
The Fallen Men of South Warwickshire - World War One |
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Military History |
| Theatre of War | Campaign Medals | Commonwealth War Grave or Memorial |
|---|---|---|
| France & Flanders | 1914-15 Star, British War & Victory Medals | Thiepval Memorial |
| Arrived in Theatre | Bravery & Conduct Medals | SWFHS Area Memorials |
| 18 July 1915 in France | ~ | Leamington Spa War Memorial |
| Leamington St. John's Memorial | ||
| Action, Battle or Other Reason Died | Date and Place Enlisted | |
| Battle of the Somme | October 1914 in Warwick | |
| Place of Death | Previous Regiments or Units | Other War Memorials |
| Le Petit Bazentine | ~ | ~ |
Circumstances of Death
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Richard is listed as being killed in action on 30 Jul 1916 during the Battle of the Somme at Delville Wood. The war diary for the day is transcribed below:
Trenches - 30-7-16 - Sunday:
During the night of 29th/30th a patrol went out to ascertain the amount of wire the enemy had in front of his line. The patrol returned safely and reported that the wire was well cut. Zero hour was fixed for 6.10pm and there was to be an intense bombardment for one minute at 6:09pm as a matter of fact there was heavy shelling by both sides for quite one hour before the assault which rather upset things. At one minute to zero the Coys, who were now all in the front line, crept out under the barrage, B&C making the first line A&D Coys the 2nd line. A, B and C Coys reached their objectives D Coy were stopped halfway by heavy M.G. Fire and lack of officers (casualties). Nevertheless they were led up into the line later. Meanwhile urgent messages came down to Batt HQ for reinforcements and more munitions. The H.Q Coy was then sent out to support and the Coys began consolidating. About 20 prisoners were taken and a machine gun, the majority of the prisoners being killed by their own shell fire together with their escort on the way back. The S.W. Borderers then went up and the communication trench was dug back to our original line. The Batt got into touch with the Kings Own Regt on the right but had no one on our left as the 10th Worcesters had failed. We were in fact the only Batt in the Bde who had gained their objectives. The shelling all through was very severe. END |
| Personal & Family History |
| Birth Date/Place | Baptism Date/Place |
|---|---|
| Oct-Dec Qtr 1888 in Leamington Spa | 2 Dec 1888 at Leamington Spa, St Mary |
| Parents Names | Abode |
| William and Mary Chapman | 11 Charles Street, Leamington Spa |
| Schools | Colleges |
| ~ | |
| Address History | Employment History |
| 1888 - 18 Waterloo Street, Leamington Spa | 1901 - School age (12) |
| 1891 - 7 Charles Street, Leamington Spa | 1911 - Not found |
| 1901 - 11 Charles Street, Leamington Spa | |
| 1911 - Not found - parents at Charles Street. | |
| 1916 - 19 Charles Street, Leamington Spa |
