Thomas Henry Chapman
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Thomas was the son of James a game keeper and his wife Emma. James was born in 1859 in Apethorpe Northamptonshire and Emma was born in Kings Clifton Northamptonshire. They were married in C1882. Thomas had ten siblings three of whom died in infancy. The survivors included Gertrude A (b.1890), Charles W (b.1892), Joseph A (b1894) all of whom were born in North Luffenham Rutland and Frederick G who was born 1897 at Winkburn near Southwell. In 1901 the family was living at Winkburn where James was employed as a head gamekeeper. In 1911 the family was still living in Winkburn but Thomas had left home and was living with his uncle Thomas Chapman a widower working on the railways and living at 510 Gladstone Street Peterborough. Thomas Henry was a game keeper on a private estate. Also at the address were Sarah Ann Chapman and Eleanor Gertrude Chapman both sisters to Thomas Henry. He married in December 1915 to Carrie Nixon Wignell amd they lived at 154 Main Street, Renishaw, Chesterfeild. Following Thomas's death his widow received a letter dated 4th November 1916 , from the War Office informing her that she would be receiving a pension of 10 shillings a week for herself with effect from 6th November 1916.
Thomas enlisted at Newark on 22nd January 1915 into the Territorials, for the duration of the war. He was aged 26 years 11 months and served with the 2/8th Territorial Battalion Sherwood Foresters He was appointed Lance Corporal on 31st March 1916. He went to Ireland during the Irish Rebellion and was killed in action on 27th April 1916 when advancing on the rebel position at the nurses' home in the Grounds of the South Dublin Union.He was buried in Kilmainham (Royal Hospital) Cemetery Republic of Ireland. Other Ranks Ground, he had served for 1 year and 96 days. He was one of 31 men of the Sherwood Foresters Regiment who died during the Irish Rebellion 1916.
An article published on 13th May 1916 in the Derbyshire Courier :- “RENISHAW CORPORAL KILLED IN DUBLIN. “Lance-Corpl. Chapman, of Dawson’s Yard, was killed during the Dublin Rebellion. He was married at Eckington Parish Church as recently as last Boxing Day. Before the war was gamekeeper for Colonel Burnham. Winkburn Hall, Southwell. His wife, who is a Renishaw woman, has received the following letter, dated Wednesday, 3 May, from Captain J. S. Oats: “I am more sorry than I can say to have to write and inform you of your husband's death in action. As you know he was a lance corporal in my company, and doing exceedingly well. His loss will be felt not only by you but by officers and men besides. He was killed on Thursday last, [27th April 1916] while bringing up his men to attack the rebels in a Dublin. Unfortunately, the [illegible] was such that none of his personal effects could be carried away. If there is anything I can do I shall be glad if you will write to me. I join with many others in offering you the deepest sympathy in your bereavement.” From the Rev. Alan Chaplin, chaplain to the Forces, Mrs. Chapman has received the following letter, also dated 3 May: “I am very sorry to tell you that Lance-Corpl. Chapman, Sherwood Foresters, was killed in Dublin on 25 or 26 April. I have buried him to-day, 3 May, in the Cemetery of the Royal Hospital, Kilmarsham, [sic] Dublin. This Royal Hospital is an Institute for old Army pensioners and your husband’s grave is in a beautiful spot. I have his pay book, and am frrwarding [sic] it to his regiment. I deeply sympathise with you in your sorrow. I know that God will support and comfort you, and help you to bear the loss of your dear husband.” Above article is cpourtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918
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