Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Joseph Chaplin a shoe trade riveter, born 1859 in Hinckley, Leics., and his wife Elizabeth, born 1862 in Earl Shilton, Leics. Thomas Arthur was born in 1889 in Earl Shilton, Leics., his siblings were, Joseph, born 1880 and Elizabeth, born 1885, the latter two siblings were both born in Hinckley, Leics., Lily, born 1887 and Alice, born 1891, the latter two siblings were both born in Earl Shilton, Leics. In April 1891 the family home was at High Street, Earl Shilton, Leics. In March 1901 Thomas was residing in the family home at 60, The Common, Barwell, Leics., together with his parents and siblings, Elizabeth, Lily, Alice, Sarah E., born 1894, Martha, born 1897 and Edith, born 1900, the latter three siblings were all born in Barwell, Leics. In April 1911 Thomas was employed as a shoe trade finisher and was residing in the family home at 65, Mill Street, Barwell, Leics., together with his wife of two years, Sarah a shoe trade machinist, born 1889 in Barwell, Leics., and their son Thomas, born 1910 in Barwell, Leics. The War Diary entry for the 28th April 1917 records. FARBUS-POINT DU JOUR LINE. ZERO time fixed for 4.25am and ZERO day 28th. The 5th and 6th Brigades reached their 1st and 2nd objectives but were obliged to retire to original positions owing to Division on right (63rd) failing to reach its objectives. The British front was subjected to heavy and ceaseless fire all through the day. Our casualties were Captain W. A. SIMMONDS, 2nd Lt’s. H. JOHNSON and J. S. SMITH killed, Lt. T. H. SEARLES wounded, 2nd Lt’s. C. W. BLOOMFIELD and R. S. O’CONNOR missing, and 186 other ranks killed, wounded and missing. The 13th ESSEX REGT was on the right of the right subsector of the Divisional front, and the 17th MIDDLESEX REGT on the left of the same subsector. 2nd Lt. RANKIN displayed great courage and resource in handling “D” Company and other details coming under his command, and was recommended by the Officer Commanding 17th MIDDLESEX REGT. The Germans reoccupied their original front line trench opposite 13th ESSEX REGT at 4.50am. Special reports on operations were written by 2nd Lt’s. RANKIN, BRIGGS, DANIELS and Captain WEST (Officer Commanding “B” Company). During the action of the 28th the remainder of this Battalion not attached to attacking Battalions was in Brigade Reserve, “A” Company moving up to BROWN LINE to positions formerly held by “D” Company. The 99th Brigade took over the Divisional front on the evening of the 28th and the Battalion moved to A.24.c.1.1. on being relieved in the line. The move was completed by 3.00am on the 29th.