Carvell Chambers
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Carvell Chambers was born in 1896 in Underwood, Nottinghamshire and was the son of William a coal miner and Martha Matilda Chambers, née Barrett of New Street, Underwood, Nottinghamshire. His father William was born in 1863 at Brinsley and his mother Martha Matilda Barrett was born in 1862 at Redmere, Norfolk, they were married in 1893 their marriage was recorded at Ely registration district, they had a further son Sydney Barrett born 1906 also at Underwood. In the 1911 census the family are living at New Road, Underwood and are shown as William Chambers 48 yrs a coal miner hewer he is living with is wife Martha 49 yrs and their children, Carvell 15 yrs a coal miner ganger and Sydney 5 yrs of age.
Private Carvell Chambers enlisted on 26th September 1914 at Nottingham giving his age as 19 yrs and 2 months, he stated that he was a collier and his next of kin was his father William of New Street, Underwood. He served with the 1/7th battalion Sherwood Foresters Regiment and went to France 25th June 1915 and was killed in action, 1st October 1915, aged 20. when the Germans exploded a mine under the trenches at Verbrandenmolen, Belgium. He is buried at Bedford House Cemetery, Belgium. Enclosure No.3 Row A. 1 Grave 19.
See photograph. Transcript of letter sent from the father of a close friend of Carvell Chambers to Carvell’s parents: ‘The letter containing the sad news came from Mr FW Dexter of Nottingham, in which he states, ‘I have just received a letter from my son in which he wishes me to convey to you his great sympathy for the loss of your dear boy, the news of whose death you have no doubt by now heard from the military authorities. He was a particular chum of my son – both going out to France together. After your son was hit he called to my boy, who caught him in his arms, where he died in a few moments. Your brave boy’s death was doubly hard and doubly sad, as they had just safely left the trenches which had been subjected to a terrific bombardment. But I will not further distress you with details, suffice it to say what a terrible shock the fate of your poor boy’s death was to his chums who all carried him [?to his grave?].’ A local newspaper carried an article 'Selston Roll of Honour (Underwood Ward)', c1916/1917, in which Carvell Chambers is listed with a few details of his military service.
