No.A/201316, Rifleman, Roger James CHAPMAN
Aged 19
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Roger James Chapman was born in Ousden (Newmarket Q2-1898 3B:515 as James Roger CHAPMAN), baptised in St. Peter's Ousden on 9th July 1899, son of James and Mary Elizabeth CHAPMAN. His mother's maiden name was Mary Ann Elizabeth MURKIN. They were married in 1883.
His mother seems to be variously Mary Elizabeth (CWGC), Mary Ann (baptismal records), Mary Ann Ellen (1911 census) and Ellen ( 1901 census) but the family names indicate this is her in each case.
1901 census...Aged 2, he was at Mill Lane, Ousden with his father James CHAPMAN [38] farmer, born Ashley; his mother Ellen [40] born Wickhambrook; brothers Frederick J.[13] born Ousden and Gerald S. [8] born Wickhambrook; sisters Agnes [11] and Violet [10] born Ousden, Rosa H [6], Daisy [4] and Grace L.A. [4 months] all three born in Ousden. 1911 census...Aged 23, he was with his father at Withams, Wickhambrook. His mother (Mary Ann Ellen) was at 18 Ingham Road, Hampstead NW with his sister Grace Lily Alice. Two of the 12 children had died. There are 10 named on the Army forms when brother George died. His elder brother George William Chapman died at home in 1915 after medical discharge from the Army. see here |
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He enlisted in Newmarket.
By the time of his death the battalion was part of the 169th Brigade in 56th (London) Division. They were presumably engaged in the Battle of Langemarck 16-17 August 1917 in the area of Zillebeke. Since he is recorded by "Soldiers Died" as dying from his wounds and yet has no known grave,if he was initially buried that grave must have been lost in later fighting. Of the 33 men lost that day in the battalion, only three have known graves. The Bury Free Press of 3rd August 1918 reported OUSDEN SOLDIER'S PRESUMED DEATH We regret to record the fact that Mr. and Mrs. James Chapman have received official notice that their youngest son Roger, who enlisted in December 1916 and was sent out the following May to France, attached to the King's Royal Rifles is presumed to be dead. During an action on August 16th, 1917, he was lost sight of, and reported missing and now after a long period of waiting and every possible inquiry being made the War Office have been constrained to send this notice. Sympathy is general for his parents for their eldest son, who was called up at the outbreak of war, was wounded at Mons and died the following June from the effects of their injuries.
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