Gunner James Ronald was born in Galt, Ontario 30 October 1894, son of Lizzie Vance and Louis Chapman. Educated at Galt Public School and Galt Collegiate Institute and attended the University of Toronto in Applied Science. Graduated with a B.A.Sc. (Mech. Eng.), Psi Delta Psi, President Electrical Club and member of the University's Canadian Officers Training Corp.
While residing at 329 Bloor St. West, Toronto he enlisted on 22 February 1916 with the 49th Battery C.F.A., at St. Catharines, Ontario under service number 318008. His next of kin was his father Louis of 7 Front Street, Sault St. Marie, Ontario.
He went overseas September 1916 and by March of 1917 was in France. He served in the 9th and 11th and finally the 3rd Battery as a Canadian Field Artillery Gunner. He went through the battle of Vimy Ridge and following engagements to Hill 70. On 28 October 1917, while with the 3rd Brigade at Passchendaele, his unit was answering S.O.S. calls when a shell struck the gun, wounding him. On 31 October 1917, he succumbed to his injuries at No. 3 Australian Casualty Clearing Station. He is buried at Nine Elms British Cemetery in Belgium, Grave 19, Plot 8, Row D.
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Source Organization
Kitchener Public Library
Collection
Soldier Information Cards - World War One
Transcription
Chapman, Ronald J.
Gunner.
Belonged to the 49th Battery.
Educated at Galt Collegiate Institute.
Killed.