Horace Chesham
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Horace Chesham was born in 1897 at Nottingham, he was the son of Henry a joiner with the city tram car workshop and Susan Chesham née Goodacre and the brother of Walter, Mary Ann and Lilian May Chesham. Henry was born in 1854, Susan Goodacre was born in 1857 both were born in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, they were married in 1878 at Nottingham, they went on to have 9 children, sadly 3 died in infancy or early childhood. In 1911 the family lived at 3 Ella Road West Bridgford Nottingham, Henry 57 yrs is a joiner at the City tram car works, he is living with his wife Susan 54 yrs and 4 of their children including Horace 14 yrs a scholar.
Horace was born in 1897 but when he enlisted on 2nd September 1914 he declared his age as 19 years and 122 days. It is thought that he had added two years to his age because in a letter home Horace writes about "now" being 18. Although the letter is undated, from its content it would seem to be from France where he was sent in July 1915; this suggests that his birthday may have been around the 4th May (122 days before the date of enlistment). He embarked for France on 29th July 1915 and was promoted to Lance Corporal in the field on 11th April 1916. He was killed in action on 15th July 1916, although his was never recovered one of his dog tags is in the museum of The Leicestershire Regiment, and is reproduced in their account of the Battle of Bazentin Ridge, in which he was killed. His name is recorded on panel 3A of the memorial at Thiepval.
Mundella Magazine, Christmas 1918, ROH: 'Chesham, H, Leicesters'.
