CHAPMAN, George Edward

George Chapman was born in Wordsley and was married to Mary (later Chapman of 253 Farm Street, Hockley, Birmingham). He enlisted in the South Staffords and was sent to the 1st Battalion in the 7th Division. In 1916 they had a very active record on the Somme and in the Spring of 1917 followed up the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line. This success faded in the stalemate at Bullecourt in May. The Staffords came to the Third Battle of Ypres at Polygon Wood during its second phase. A successful attack on the 26th September was followed by a German counter-attack on the 1st October. Conditions were fearful with a massive enemy bombardment and nearly 70 men of the Staffords were hit. Private George Chapman was one of them and he died of wounds on the 2nd October. He was 27 years of age and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot and Wordsley Memorials.