Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of William Chapman a quarry worker, born 1862 in Barrow upon Soar, Leics., and his wife Elizabeth, born 1862 in Quorn, Leics. Thomas was born in 1895 in Barrow upon Soar, Leics., his siblings were, Eliza, born 1883, Bertha, born 1885, Fanny, born 1887 and George, born 1890, the latter four siblings were all born in Quorn, Leics., Annie, born 1892, Mary, born 1893, Leonard, born 1896 and Elizabeth, born 1898, the latter four siblings were all born in Barrow upon Soar, Leics., in March 1901 the family home was at Industry Street, Barrow upon Soar, Leics. In April 1911 Thomas was employed as a hosiery trade worker and was residing in the family home at Industry Street, Barrow upon Soar, Leics., together with his parents and siblings, Fanny, George, Annie, Mary, Leonard and Elizabeth. He was killed at the Battle of Gaza. The War Diary for the 2nd November 1917 records. At 0215 Battalion left Bivouac area prior to operations and moved along beach and HQ were established at P.7.b.8.7 at 05.23. At o5.37 Battalion consolidating at P.7.b.8.7. “A” Company (Captain R. A. MARRIOTT) went forward at 05.30 to take works LION, TIGER and DOG to prepare an outward route for Cavalry. At 06.30 Advanced Battalion HQ established at P.2.b.3.2. “A” Company advanced to attack LION, TIGER and DOG. Tanks failed to arrive, no machine gun covering fire available owing to mist. At 07.22 Advanced HQ reports “A” Company held up 400 yards from objective further artillery support required. At 07.32 LION taken but ridge 200 yards north strongly held. At 07.59 Strong enemy counter attack against LION. “A” Company being held up in front of TIGER and DOG, Captain MARRIOTT decided to withdraw along beach to SHEIKH HASAN. At 08.48 Withdrawal complete. At 10.30 Under 162 Brigade Orders Battalion moved to P.2.b.3.2. prior to attacking LION, TIGER and DOG at 11.30. At 11.30 Operation cancelled and verbal orders received 11.50 to attack TORTOISE HILL and BELAH TRENCH. At 13.00 “D” Company joined Battalion from 1/5th BEDFORDSHIRE REGT. At 13.24 Battalion HQ established at P.2.d.1.5. prior to operations. At 14.30 “C” Company (Captain A. N. LAW) and “D” Company (Lt. R. W. FAY) attacked TORTOISE HILL and BELAH TRENCH. Being heavily counter attacked withdrawal necessary to SHEIKH HASAN. “A” Company (Captain S. E. DORRINGTON) in reserve at HENRY. At 15.48 Withdrawal complete but heavy casualties suffered, part of “C” Company being surrounded. At 16.38 Situation quiet, intermittent enemy shelling and machine gun fire. Battalion holding right sub section of SHEIKH HASAN locality under orders of Officer Commanding 1st/5th BEDFORDSHIRE REGT.