Main CPGW Record
Surname: CHAPMAN
Forename(s): Christopher
Place of Birth: Buckden, Yorkshire
Service No: 57377
Rank: Private
Regiment / Corps / Service: Prince of Wales’s Own (West Yorkshire Regiment)
Battalion / Unit: 'A' Coy 2/7th Battalion. (Leeds Rifles)
Division: 62nd (2/West Riding) Division
Age: 36
Date of Death: 1917-12-05
Awards: ---
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: VIII. D. 18.
CWGC Cemetery: GREVILLERS BRITISH CEMETERY
CWGC Memorial: ---
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial: GRASSINGTON, YORKSHIRE
Local War Memorial: LINTON-IN-CRAVEN, YORKSHIRE
Additional Information:
Christopher Chapman was the son of Christopher and Elizabeth Chapman, née Metcalfe. Christopher, senior, was born at Oughtershaw and Elizabeth at Worton, Yorkshire. Christopher, junior, was the uncle of Driver Jack Chapman (T2/12877) (q.v.) and Private Robert Bownas (41255) (q.v.).
1891 Grassington, Yorkshire Census: Town End - Christopher Chapman, aged 9 years, born Buckden, Yorkshire, son of Christopher and Elizabeth Chapman.
1901 Grassington, Yorkshire Census: Town End - Christopher Chapman, aged 19 years, born Buckden, Yorkshire, son of Christopher and Elizabeth Chapman.
Christopher was married to Sarah Alice Easterby in 1906. Sarah was the sister of Private John Easterby (49718) (q.v.).
1911 Grassington, Yorkshire Census: Christopher Chapman junr. aged 29 years, born Buckden, Yorkshire, husband of Sarah Alice Chapman.
The British Army Service Record for Christopher Chapman exists but may be incomplete.
British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte Christopher Chapman, 57377, W. York. R. D. of W.
British Army WW1 Medal and Award Rolls: Pte Christopher Chapman, 57377, 2/7 W. York. R. Died of Wounds 5.12.17.
Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Pte Christopher Chapman, 57377, 'A' Coy 2/7 West Yorks. Date and Place of Death: 5.12.17. 3 C. C. Stn. France. To whom Authorised/Amount Authorised: Widow - Sarah A. £8 18s. 8d.
UK, WW1 Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923: card(s) exist for Christopher. Name(s) on card(s): Sarah Alice, born 2.2.73. Address: Gill Fold, Grassington. Children: Doris, born 2.10.08. Bessie, born 14.3.11.
A short biography of Christopher is included in: ‘Swaledale & Wharfedale Remembered – Aspects of Dales’ life through peace and war’ by Keith Taylor (2006).
See also: ‘Silva Gars’ by John Crowther (1930).
Data Source: Craven’s Part in the Great War - original CPGW book entry
View Entry in CPGW BookEntry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record:
CHAPMAN, Christopher, son of the late Mr. C. Chapman, Grassington, died of wounds 1917.
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Private Christopher CHAPMAN
Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Prince of Wales’s Own (West Yorkshire Regiment)
Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 62nd (2/West Riding) Division
View Additional Image(s)
Additional Photo(s) For Soldier Records
Christopher Chapman's Birth Certificate
Courtesy of Mrs Pam Blagden
Marriage Certificate of Christopher Chapman and Sarah Alice Easterby
Courtesy of Mrs Pam Blagden
Private Christopher Chapman
Courtesy of Mrs Pam Blagden
Christopher Chapman the father of Private Christopher Chapman
Courtesy of Chris Binns
Elizabeth Chapman, née Metcalfe, the mother of Private Christopher Chapman
Courtesy of Chris Binns
The Chapman family of Grassington
The Chapman family of Grassington, including Christopher junior; Margaret Ann, the mother of Private Jack Chapman and Alice, the mother of Private Robert Bownas
Courtesy of Chris Binns
Old Temperance Hotel Grassington
Old Temperance Hotel Grassington, run by Christopher (Kit) and Elizabeth Chapman until they left in 1909, the adjoining barn is where Kit kept horses and wagonettes. Centre, with horses & flat cap - James (Jim) Chapman, standing on the extreme right - John Robert (Bob) Chapman
Courtesy of Chris Binns
A Soldier's Prayer
Courtesy of Mrs Pam Blagden
Letter from No 3 Casualty Clearing Station to Mrs Chapman, Nov 28 1917
Courtesy of Mrs Pam Blagden
Letter from No 3 Casualty Clearing Station to Mrs Chapman, Nov 29 1917
Courtesy of Mrs Pam Blagden
Letter from No 3 Casualty Clearing Station to Mrs Chapman, Nov 30 1917
Courtesy of Mrs Pam Blagden
Letter from No 3 Casualty Clearing Station to Mrs Chapman, Dec 4 1917
Courtesy of Mrs Pam Blagden
Letter from No 3 Casualty Clearing Station to Mrs Chapman, Dec 5 1917
Courtesy of Mrs Pam Blagden
Letter from No 3 Casualty Clearing Station to Mrs Chapman, Dec 7 1917
Courtesy of Mrs Pam Blagden
Telegram notifying Mrs Chapman of the death of her husband Private Christopher Chapman
Courtesy of Mrs Pam Blagden
Official notification of the place of burial of Private Christopher Chapman
Courtesy of Mrs Pam Blagden
Grevillers British Cemetery
CWGC original grave marker
Courtesy of Mrs Pam Blagden
Grevillers British Cemetery
CWGC Headstone
Grevillers British Cemetery
CWGC Headstone - personal inscription
View Craven Herald Articles
View Craven Herald Articles
18 December 1914
GRASSINGTON - Recruiting Meeting: Seven More Recruits
A meeting organised by the Parliamentary Recruiting Committee was held in the Town Hall on Tuesday night. Mr. J. Longstaff was chairman. Patriotic songs were sung by Mr. E.J. Percival. Urgent and impassioned appeals calling upon the young men of the district to enlist in Kitchener's Army were made by Captain E.G. Whitaker, Col.-Sergt. A.C. Briggs, and Messrs. J.W. Beanland, G.H. Bibbings and S.J.E. Hartley. The results were very satisfactory, for in addition to those already enlisted from Grassington, seven more names were added to the list, viz.: William Cummings, Wallace Maxfield, Christopher Chapman, John Foster, Thomas Maxfield, Wilfred Gilbert Steel, and Henry Oswald Harrison. A pathetic incident occurred when a youth of 17 came forward, and on being rejected as not old enough burst into tears. This was Robert Bownas. The officer, however, gave him a letter of merit as consolation, to show to his friends.
07 December 1917
GRASSINGTON - The 'Boys'
Pte. Tom Duckett, son of the late Mr. Thos. Duckett, of Grassington, is in hospital in the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, suffering with trench fever. He is reported to be doing nicely.
Private Christopher Chapman is in hospital in France, being wounded in the chest.
14 December 1917
GRASSINGTON - DEATH OF PRIVATE C. CHAPMAN
We regret to report the death of another Grassington soldier, Private Christopher Chapman, son of the late Mr. Christopher Chapman, mail contractor, of Grassington. The deceased joined the Army soon after the outbreak of war, but was soon discharged on account of defective eyesight. He was again 'called up' in June last, and after being only a month in France he was reported to be suffering from gunshot wounds in the chest. At first his condition was thought not to be serious, but he rapidly grew worse, and on Saturday his wife was informed of his death. He leaves a widow and two children, with whom much sympathy is felt.
A letter received from the chaplain says:- "I am sorry that I have to write to you like this, but you will doubtless by this time have heard the news of your husband's death from the War Office. May I offer you my deepest sympathy in your great sorrow? Presently, if not now, it will comfort you to remember that he is happy at home with Him who said "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." I buried him yesterday in the military cemetery close by, and in due course a cross will be erected at his grave. Any effects of his that happened to be brought here with him will be forwarded to you by way of the base."
06 December 1918
CHAPMAN - In memory of a loved husband and father, Private Christopher Chapman, who died from wounds somewhere in France on December 5th, 1917.
We little thought when he left home
That he would never return;
somewhere in France in a soldier's grave
Lies our dear one amongst the brave.
From his Wife and Family, Gill Fold, Grassington.
CHAPMAN - In loving memory of our dear brother, Private Christopher Chapman, West Yorks., died December 5th, 1917, from wounds received in France.
Sleep on, dear brother, in a far-off land,
In a grave we may never see;
But as long as life and memory last
We will remember thee.
From his sisters Lizzie, Alice and Nancy
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
07 August 1914
GRASSINGTON
DEATH OF MR. C. CHAPMAN
The lamented death took place after a long and painful illness, of Mr Christopher Chapman, mail contractor and 'bus proprietor, on Wednesday last at the age of 77. He came to Grassington 31 years ago from Buckden succeeding the late Mr T. Airey in the carrying of the mails between Skipton, Grassington, and Buckden, and the intervening villages. Starting with only 3 horses he worked up a business of an extensive character, being courteous, reasonable in his charges, and accommodating in all his dealings, popularising Grassington and the district thereby almost more than any other man. His son, who is now the head of the firm, which is a limited liability company, works the district with 22 horses, one motor car, and five motor chars-a-banc. Besides being a good business man, Mr Chapman was a great moral reformer, being for some years Chairman of the local Temperance Society. He was also for some time a member of the Parish Council. Being so well known, and so respected by people far and near, he will be greatly missed. His wife predeceased him nearly three years ago.
18 December 1914
GRASSINGTON - RECRUITING MEETING
A meeting, organised by the Parliamentary Recruiting Committee, (Skipton Division), was held in the Town Hall on Tuesday night. Mr. J. Longstaff presided. Patriotic songs were rendered by Mr. E.J. Percival. Appeals calling upon the young men of the district to enlist in Kitchener's Army were made by Capt. E.G. Whitaker, Colour Sergeant A.C. Briggs, and Messrs. J. W. Beanland, G.H. Bibbings, and S.J.E. Hartley. The result was very satisfactory, for in addition to those already enlisted from Grassington, seven more names were added to the list, viz.: William Cummings, Wallace Maxfield, Christopher Chapman, John Foster, Thomas Maxfield, Wilfred Gilbert Steel, and Henry Oswald Harrison. A pathetic incident occurred when a youth of 17, named Robert Bownass, came forward, and on being rejected as not old enough, burst into tears. The officer, however, gave him a letter of merit as consolation to show his friends.
07 December 1917
GRASSINGTON
WOUNDED SOLDIERS - Pte. Tom Duckett, son of the late Mr. Thos. Duckett, of Grassington, is in hospital in the Royal Infirmary Glasgow, suffering from trench fever. He is reported to be doing nicely. Pte. Christopher Chapman is in hospital in France, being wounded in the chest
14 December 1917
CHAPMAN - Died from wounds received in action, Pte. Christopher Chapman, son of the late Mr. C. Chapman, of Grassington.
14 December 1917
GRASSINGTON
PRIVATE CHRISTOPHER CHAPMAN KILLED
We regret to report the death of another Grassington soldier, Pte. Christopher Chapman, son of the late Mr. Christopher Chapman, mail contractor, of Grassington. The deceased joined the army soon after the outbreak of war, but was soon discharged on account of defective eyesight. He was again called up in June last, and after only a month in France was wounded in the chest. At first his wound was only believed to be slight, but he rapidly grew worse, and on Saturday last his wife was informed of his death. He leaves a widow and two children to mourn their loss.
A letter received from the chaplain says:- "I am sorry that I have to write to you like this, but you will doubtless by this time have heard the news of your husband's death from the War Office. May I offer you my deepest sympathy in your great sorrow. Presently, if not now, it will comfort you to remember that he is happy at home with Him Who sad "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." I buried him yesterday in the military cemetery close by, and in due course a cross will be erected at his grave. Any effects of his that were brought here with him will be forwarded to you by way of the base."
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