Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Annie Firbin, born 20th July1867 in Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire. Fred was born in the 2nd quarter of 1896 in Ashby de la Zouch. In the 1st quarter of 1900 in the Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire district, Annie Firbin married Thomas Chamberlain. In March 1901 Fred was residing at 23 Court 2, Wood Street, Ashby de la Zouch, this being the family home of his widowed maternal Grandmother, Elizabeth Firbin, who was living on her own means, born 1835 in Ashby de la Zouch, also residing in the family home was his mother and half-blood sibling, George Frederick Firbin, born in the 1st quarter of 1888 in Ashby de la Zouch and his half-blood sibling, Tom Chamberlain, born 1901 in Ashby de la Zouch, also his maternal Aunt, Alice Ellen Firbin, a hosiery trade knitter, born 1876 in Ashby de la Zouch and her son George Edward Fern Firbin, born in the 2nd quarter of 1897 in Ashby de la Zouch. In April 1911, Fred was residing in the family home at 59, Breach Cottages, North Street, Hugglescote, Leicestershire together with his step father, Thomas Chamberlain, a coal miner, born 17th September 1870 in Snarestone, Leicestershire, his mother and half-blood siblings, George Firbin, a stone quarry labourer, Edward, born 22nd September 1903, Mary Elizabeth, born 1906, Herbert, born 25th April 1908 and Alfred, born 9th November 1910, the latter four half-blood siblings were all born in Hugglescote.
Fred attended St. John the Baptist Church School, and upon leaving took employment as a miner at Ibstock Colliery. He was killed instantly when a shell dropped among his section in the Bienvillers-Bailleumont Sector of France.
Frederick enlisted/attested into the Regular Army on the 9th September 1914 in Coalville, and was allotted the service number 14552. He gave his place of birth as Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire and age as 19 years 176 days. His marital status was given as unmarried and his trade or calling as collier.
His medical examination took place in Coalville on the 8th September 1914 and recorded his apparent age as 19 years 176 days, that he was 5 feet 6½ inches in height, weighed 128 lbs, had a chest measurement of between 32 and 34½ inches, he had green eyes and his hair colour was brown. He gave his religion as Baptist.
He gave his next of kin as his father, Thomas Chamberlain, mother, Annie Chamberlain, brother, Edward Chamberlain, sister, Mary Chamberlain, North Street, Hugglescote.
During his period of military service, the following events of note occurred: -
Joined. At Leicester. 9/9/14.
Joined. Depot. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 9/9/14.
Posted. 8th Bn. Leicestershire Regt. 24/9/14.
Embarked. 29/7/15.
Killed in action. In the Field. 24/4/16.
Summary of Service.
Home Service. 9/9/14 – 28/7/15. 323 days.
Expeditionary Force, France. 29/7/15 – 24/5/16. 301 days.
Total Service. 1 year 259 days.
He was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
The War Diary records: 24 May-16 - TRENCHES, HANNESCAMPS. In accordance with pre-arranged scheme saps about 80 yards long were run out during the night from 67 and 73 with 5 fire bays at the end. No casualties were suffered. The Battalion supplied a working party of 3 officers and 195 other ranks who worked from midnight to 2.15am on sap 67. A covering party of 1 officer and 20 other ranks was supplied to cover party working on sap 73. The enemy shelled the trenches on and off all day, about 200 shells being dropped in the area. Casualties 2 killed, 2 wounded.

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
George was the cousin of George E Firban and the son of Alice Firbin.
The photograph of his grave marker was submitted by D. Kirkland in 2019
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Coalville Times article - Friday June 2nd, 1916

HUGGLESCOTE SOLDERS KILLED

The sad news of another Hugglescote soldier being killed was received on Monday morning by his parents, Mr and Mrs Thos. Chamberlain, of 59, North Street, only a few doors away from Mr and Mrs Cowley, the death of whose son was notified only on the previous Wednesday.

The deceased is Private Frederick Chamberlain, of the Leicestershire Regiment, and the information was conveyed in a letter from 2nd Lieutenant H. F. King, who writes: “It is with the deepest regret that I have to inform you that your son was killed this morning by a shell which dropped among his section, killing him instantly. Please accept my entire sympathy in your great loss. Your son was one of my very best men in the platoon – a willing boy, and a perfect soldier; a good comrade and esteemed by all in the company. He is to be buried in a little cemetery set aside for our battalion in a little village behind the trenches. Your grief, I know will be difficult to comfort, but it is the knowledge that your son has made the great sacrifice for his country, that will help you in your trouble. I am seeing that your son’s personal belongings are sent on to you as soon as possible.”

Private Chamberlain was 20 years of age, and before the war worked at the Ibstock Colliery, where his father is also employed. He enlisted just a month after the outbreak of war, and had been about ten months in France. He was an old Hugglescote Baptist school boy.

Coalville Times article - Friday May 25th, 1917

In loving memory of our dear son, Private Frederick Chamberlain, of the 9th Leicestershire Regiment, killed in action in France, May 24th, 1916. Age 20 years.

“Sleep on dear one, in a far off land,
In a grave we may never see
But as long as we and memories last,
We will remember thee.

Farewell, my parents, dear sister and brothers kind,
And to the fondest Friend, to whom I love, I leave you all behind.”

From his loving mother, father, sister and brothers, and his sweetheart, Jessie.

Coalville Times article - Friday May 24th, 1918

IN MEMORIAM

In affectionate remembrance of our dear son, Private Frederick Chamberlain, 9th Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment, killed in action in France, May 24th, 1916. Aged 20 years.

“A devoted son, a faithful friend,
One of the best that God could lend,
He bravely answered duty’s call,
His life he gave for one and all,
But the unknown grave is the bitterest blow,
None but an aching heart can know.”

From Father, Mother, Brothers and Sister.

Coalville Times article - Friday May 23rd, 1919

IN MEMORIAM

In loving memory of Pte. Fred Chamberlain, killed in action, May 24th, 1916.

“Saviour in Thy gracious keeping,
Leave we now our loved ones sleeping.”

From his loving Mother, Father, Sister and Brothers.

Coalville Times article – Friday April 2nd, 1920

WAR MEMORIAL AT HUGGLESCOTE CHURCH

UNVEILED BY COL. R. E. MARTIN

A tablet which has been placed in Hugglescote Parish Church, to the memory of men from the parish who fell in the war, was unveiled by Lt.-Colonel R. E. Martin, C.M.G., on Saturday afternoon in the presence of a large congregation.

The tablet is of excellent design, in keeping with the handsome edifice, and is of a permanent character, the names of 101 men being inscribed on Swithland slate, set in a frame of Ketton stone, surmounted by a cross and crown encircled in a carved laurel wreath, with similar carvings on either side. The inscription runs as follows:

“Their name liveth for evermore.”

“To the Glory of God, and in imperishable memory of the men of the parish who fell in the great war, 1914 – 1918.”

The names of the men inscribed on the tablet are as follows:-

H. A. Attwood, C. T. Beadman, J. Brooks, W. Baker, J. E. Briggs, H. G. Blackham, J. T. Bishop, J. Barrs, G. Barrs, R. Beadman, E. Bonser, G. Beale, J. G. Bennett, E. S. Boot, W. Berrisford, F. J. Betteridge, F. P. Benistone, J. W. Cawley, F. Chamberlain, J. A. Crookes, R. A. Cross, L. Cross, J. Cox, P. Cliff, J. W. F. Collier, C. Drewett, H. B. Drewett, S. Dodds, A. Elkin, H. C. Elkin, J. Farn, H. Fletcher, H. Finch, L. Finch, G. Firban, G. Gadsby, A. Gamble, S. F. Gamble, W. Gray, W. O. Hoden, O. Hallam, B. Hatter, J. Haywood, W. Hill, F. Hill, J. E. Hibbert, G. Hart, G. H. Highfield, E. Harper, J. W. Harper, H. Hall, J. E. Holmes, J. Jones, W. Jones, F. J. Kirby, I. V. Kelham, H. Lewis, W. Lewis, W. Massey, H. O. Moseley, T. Marriott, G. Martin, J. A. Moult, J. Maunders, J. Moon, I. Mycroft, W. Newbold, O. H. Pratt, J. A. Pegg, F. Pink, E. H. Palmer, W. Riley, A. T. Richardson, W. Rogers, C. Simmons, E. A. Stinchcombe, J. Summers, S. Summers, C. Shilton, G. Slatter, J. Smith, J. C. Shaw, S. Smith, G. Spencer, S. C. Smith, J. W. Setchell, W. Statham, A. G. Tovell, S. T. Timson, J. Tebbatt, F. Whitmore, E. Willett, B. Walker, H. Watson, C. H. Walker, J. Woods, T. Willett, A. Wright, A. Wood, J. Young and W. Young.

As the congregation passed into the church, members of the Hugglescote Church Lads’ Brigade, with the ex-Sergt.-Major W. Hill in charge, lined up on either side of the entrance and two of the Brigade with bowed heads and leaning on reversed rifles, stood by the memorial, covered with the Union Jack.

The service, which was very impressive, was conducted by the Rev. Canon Broughton (vicar) and opened with the hymn, “Stand up for Jesus.” Then followed prayers and collects. Psalm 130, and a lesson read by the Rev. J. C. Wallace, after which the clergy and choir proceeded to the memorial, led by the churchwardens, Messrs. W. E. Canner and J. W. Fletcher.

In unveiling the tablet, Colonel Martin said “To the glory of God and in imperishable memory of the men of this parish who fell in the great war 1914 – 1918, I unveil this tablet, which has been erected by their fellow parishioners in grateful recognition of their self-sacrifice.”

The “Last Post” having been sounded by buglers of the Church Lads’ Brigade, the choir and clergy returned to their places and Colonel Martin gave an address from the chancel steps.

He spoke of the memorable days in August 1914, when the principles on which our national life is based were being assailed, and it was the part of every true man to stand in defence of them. They had tangible proof that the spirit which was then evoked in the nation was the same spirit as that shown by their forefathers who went out to fight country’s enemies. He would never forget the day about the end of August, 1914, when the North Midland Territorial Division, which had been mobilised about three weeks, was told to fill up its ranks for service abroad. It fell to him, among others, to come back into Leicestershire to try and explain to the people what they were up against, and he remembered what a splendid response they gave. In the North Midland Division, between 80 and 90 per cent of the men said they were prepared to go anywhere, though many of them were married men who had never experienced Army service before. Many things have happened since – much self-seeking, a desire to get rich quickly, many apparent inequalities of justice and self-sacrifice – but he was sure they could all take comfort from the fact that there was tangible proof given in those days that the nation was sound at heart and could be trusted to do the right thing when the crisis really arose. And what happened when the armies got overseas and began their real work? He ventured to say that no one had the privilege of serving in a better battalion. The men from that district – Coalville men they always called them – were a splendid lot of men filled with genuine enthusiasm for fitting themselves for the part which they had to play, and who on getting across the water, proved themselves as good as the best. He went on to speak of evidences of practical Christianity displayed by the men, and of deeds of heroism which came to his notice. One instance he recalled was when they were between Hill 60 and Ypres. When the Brigadier realised that he had in the ranks men accustomed to mining, he formed a number of Coalville men into a mining section, whose duty it was to construct projecting galleries in front of the trenches, to find out if the Germans were under-mining. One day a member of the party came across a German mine filled with German explosives in large quantities, and it would have been a very natural thing for him to want to get away from it as soon as possible, but instead of that, he crawled over the top and disconnected the mine and came back and reported it to his commanding officer. This man, whose name was Starbuck, had no thought for his own safety, but first took steps to safeguard his comrades.

Proceeding, Col. Martin said his services came to an end in October, 1915, but he had always felt ever since then that the war had been worth while, if for nothing else than for the fine spirit it brought out, and if the same spirit could be shown in regard to present day problems, it would go a long way towards reaching a solution. He was not one of those who said this country ought to have stood aside and have taken advantage of the trade while other countries were fighting. The people, who said that, he thought, were wrong. He thought that what the people of this country did when they found what they were up against should be an example and pattern to them now. If the war had done nothing else, with all the misery, self-sacrifice and sorrow, he believed they were worth while because they afforded the opportunity which was taken by so many of showing a truly Christian spirit. He believed that experience had not been lost, but would help them to get through present day difficulties with credit to themselves.

The closing hymn was 11, “For all the saints,” and a collection was taken for St. Dunstan’s Hostel for Blind Soldiers and Sailors. As the congregation were leaving the church, Mr F. Baxter (organist) played, “O, rest in the Lord.” Before and after the service, peals were rung with the bells half-muffled.

Coalville Times article - Friday May 21st, 1920

HUGGLESCOTE BAPTIST WAR MEMORIAL

UNVEILING OF A COMMUNION TABLE

The memory of young men from the Hugglescote Baptist Church and Sunday School, who fell in the war is to be perpetuated by a handsome oak communion table, with an inlaid brass plate, containing fourteen names, and a suitable inscription, and at a special service last Sunday afternoon the table was unveiled.

The ceremony was performed by the Rev. C. Barker (pastor) in the presence of a large congregation. The inscription and names on the table are as follows:

“In memory of those who gave their lives for freedom in the great war, 1914 – 1918”

James Cox, John W. Williamson, Frederick Chamberlain, Charles Drewett, John W. Brooks, J. W. T. Collier, John W. Barrs, T. Percy Deacon, George Barrs, Charles H. Shilton, George Wood, H. B. Drewett, Leslie Cross and Fred Whitmore.

The hymns sung during the service were “O God our help,” “Now the labourer’s task is o’er,” and “For all the saints.” Prior to the unveiling, the Rev. C. Barker read appropriate passages of scripture, and gave an address dealing with what had been accomplished in the war, and the debt they owed to the men who accomplished it. Ex-Captain J. Emmerson also gave a short address, speaking of his connection with the boys.

The Rev. C. Barker also read a letter from Captain Jamie, in which he wrote, “I very much appreciate the honour you have done me in suggesting that I should assist in the unveiling of your war memorial, and were it at all possible for me to get over to Coalville on that day I should have been proud to do so. However, I am afraid that is impossible. I very much regret this, as I was closely associated with many of your Hugglescote men during the war, and would gladly have taken such an opportunity of paying homage to the memory of those whose names are on the roll of honour.”

At the close of the service, the congregation sang “God bless our native land.” On Sunday evening, the Rev. C. Barker preached a memorial sermon, based on the text, “They being dead, yet speak.” Hebrews 11 – 4.

The collections realised over £10 towards the cost of the table, over £70, the whole of which has now been raised.

IN MEMORIAM

Chamberlain – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Private Frederick Chamberlain, who was killed in action, May 24th, 1916.

“A loving son and brother kind,
He was to us in heart and mind,
Cherished memories of one so dear,
Are oft recalled by a silent tear.”

From Mother, Father, Brothers and Sister.

Research undertaken and submitted (including photograph from Coalville Times) by Andy Murby 13/10/2017