SYNOPSIS OF THE LIFE OF ERNEST CHARLES CHAPMAN
Compiled by Alan Kay from information supplied by his niece, Janet Lorraine Coatham (née Ferguson)

Ernest Charles married Etheldreda Blench on 24th June in Bramshot, Hampshire, England.
Ernest and Etheldreda must have dreamed of emigrating to Canada and decided that Ernest would go first and when established Etheldreda would follow.

When Ernest came to Canada he first worked in Toronto and later had an upholstery shop.
Several of his relatives were involved in the furniture trade back home.
He joined the Canadian army in 1915 and after war ended planned to return and to farm in Canada; then send for Etheldreda to join him.
He was in the 102nd Battalion, Central Ontario Regiment. From Army records, Ernest was 5ft 4in. tall, of dark complexion, with brown eyes and brown hair.
He arrived in England in April 1916 on the SS Empress of Britain and was in Bramshot from 18th July to 11th August 1916 when he embarked for France.
He was awarded the Good Conduct Badge on 12th September 1917.
Ernest tragically died in France on 31st October 1917 and is buried at Zonnebeke Pheet.

Sadly, the dream died with Ernest. Etheldreda never did move to Canada. Her niece, Janet Lorraine, has in her possession letters which Etheldreda wrote to her sister-in-law Mabel in which she seemed very unhappy. She also said in one that Harry Pledge, the father of Ernest, was able to get some pension money.

In another letter to Mabel dated 17th September 1930 her address is given as 207 Lordship Lane, Tottenham. Her address in 1921 was 38 Penbury Road, Tottenham. On 1st December 1928, 98 Dowsett Road, Tottenham and on 7th May 1938 her address was 4 Crokers Court, Pitfield Street, Old Street, London.