Brinley Archibald Richard Chapman

Private Brinley Archibald Richard Chapman

Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)

Days after the Armistice of November 1918, Private Brinley Archibald Richard Chapman became the sixth and final serviceman to be buried at Bethel Welsh Congregational Chapel. He died on 15^th November 1918, aged just 22.

Family Background

Richard Henry Chapman and Sarah Jane Tucker
Marriage Certificate
St. James church, Swansea

Brinley was born in 1896 in Swansea, the eldest son of Richard Henry Chapman, a Post Office clerk, and Sarah Jane (née Tucker). His parents had married at St. James’ Church, Swansea, in May 1895.

1901 Census

By the time of the 1901 Census, the young family was living at 13 Rhondda Street, where Richard, then 32, was employed as a Post Office clerk, and Sarah, 33, kept the home. Their children were Brinley (5), Cyril George (3), and Richard Henry (1).

1911 Census

A decade later, the 1911 Census records the family at 13 Vivian Street, Swansea. Richard, now 42, was still serving in the Post Office, and Sarah, 43, remained at home. Their three sons were all still living under the same roof: Brinley, 15; Cyril George, 13; and Richard Henry, 10. Also present was Sarah’s sister, Mary Ellen Tucker, 52, a confectioner and shopkeeper.

Military Service

Brinley Archibald Richard Chapman
Enlistment Papers

It was not until October 1918, just weeks before the end of the war, that Brinley enlisted. He joined the Machine Gun Corps (Infantry), giving his address as 79 Argyle Street, Swansea.

Death and Burial

Only a short time after entering service, Brinley fell ill. He died at Cannock Chase Military Hospital, Staffordshire, on 15^th November 1918, four days after the Armistice. His death was briefly noted in the Cambrian Daily Leader, which carried a family notice on 20^th November 1918.

Brinley Archibald Richard Chapman
Bethel Welsh Congregational Chapel
credit - findagrave

He was brought home to Swansea and laid to rest at Bethel Welsh Congregational Chapel, Sketty.

Legacy

Brinley’s story is especially poignant — a young man called to serve at the very end of the war, whose life was lost after peace had been declared. His grave at Bethel stands as a quiet reminder that the war’s cost endured even beyond the silence of the guns.