Peterborough & The Great War

Biography

Lawrence Campbell Chapman was born on 3 July 1891, in Tideswell, Derbyshire to parents Frederick and Mary Elizabeth (nee Turner-Harrison).  Lawrence was one of four children and in 1901 the family were living at the House & Shop, Queen Street, Tideswell, Bakewell, Derbyshire.  Frederick (36) was a printer and compositor, Mary Elizabeth (37) a confectioner shop keeper, Frederick Lester (12), Lawrence Campbell (9), Charles Clifford (5) and baby Doris Christine.  They also had a general domestic servant, Laura Bagshaw (22).  They are all still at the same address in 1911 and Frederick and all the sons are letterpress printers.

Lawrence was 24 years of age when he attested on 15 February 1916, and joined the 8^th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps.  He gave his address as Stanley House, Sherwood Road, Tideswell, Derbyshire and his occupation as letter press printer.  His next of kin was his father, Frederick who described himself as printer, stationer, bookbinder and newsagent.

Lawrence was mobilised on 10 March 1916 as a Gunner.  He passed through Peterborough East Station on 31 August 1916, just two weeks before joining the Expeditionary Force in France.  He wrote “My best thanks to the ladies in charge for the way two stranded soldiers were made welcome.”   He was wounded in action with a gunshot wound to the left hand on 30 November 1917, and again on 10 August 1918, with a shrapnel wound to the head.  He transferred to the Tank Corps on 30 August 1918, and was demobilised in the UK on 1 February 1919.  He was awarded the British War and Allied Victory Medals.

In 1919, Lawrence married Lizzie Warren, at Bakewell, Derbyshire.  They had three children, Cyril Lester (1920), Douglas Lawrence (1924) and Joyce E (1931).  In 1939, Lawrence and Lizzie were living with Cyril and Douglas at Sherwood Road, Bakewell.  Lawrence was a letter press printer and newsagent.

Lawrence died on 30 April 1953 at The Royal Infirmary, Sheffield, aged 62.  He was living at Caxton House, Sherwood Road, Tideswell.  He left just over £3,900 in his will, which at that time would have been a considerable sum.

Lawrence’s older brother, Frederick Lester Chapman was killed in action in France on 17 March 1918, whilst serving with the Nottinghamshire and Derby (Sherwood Foresters) Regiment.

Was Lawrence a relative of yours?  Please get in touch if you can tell us more.