Chapman Valley History

Ernest Arthur Chandler

2359, Private Ernest Arthur CHANDLER
Unit: 28th Battalion, 5th Reinforcements, AIF

Where Born: Weybridge, Surrey, England
School: Elementary School, Surrey, England
Address: Naraling, Upper Chapman via Geraldton, Western Australia
Occupation: Farm labourer
Religion: Church of England
Marital status: Single
Parents: Ernest William and Mary Ann Chandler, Winchester, Hants, England
Description: Height 5’ 7”; weight 130 lbs; chest 34½“/37”; ruddy complexion; light brown eyes; brown hair

War Service: Ernest enlisted 02 Aug 1915 at Blackboy Hill, WA, aged 21 years 10 months. He embarked per HMAT Themistocles from Fremantle, WA 13 Oct 1915. On 19 Jan 1916, he joined his battalion at Tel-el-Kebir, Egypt. He went with his battalion to France arriving 21 Mar 1916. The battalion’s first major battle was at Pozières, France between 28 Jul and 06 Aug 1916. By 29 Jul 1916, Ernest was reported missing and a court of inquiry was held 04 Jan 1917 confirming he had been killed.
Killed in Action: 29 Jul 1916 at Pozières, France, aged 23 years. Ernest has no known grave.
Memorial: Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France
Medals: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal