Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of William Chamberlain, a railway goods foreman, born 1857 in Spaxton, Somerset and his wife Elizabeth Chamberlain, born 1867 in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. Bertie was born in the 3rd quarter of 1897 in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, his siblings were, Harry Sharman, born 1888 and Frank, born 1892, the latter two siblings were both born in Worcestershire, May born 1896 and Willie, born in the 2nd quarter of 1899, the latter two siblings were both born in Melton Mowbray, in March 1901 the family home was at 44, Burton Street, Melton Mowbray. In April 1911 Bertie was employed as a boot trade apprentice and was residing in the family home at 44, Burton Street, Melton Mowbray, together with his father a railway goods foreman, his mother and siblings, May, a shoe trade machinist, Willie, a schoolboy, Ivy, a schoolgirl, born 1902, Joe Sharman, a schoolboy, born 1905 and Cyril, born 1908, the latter three siblings were all born in Melton Mowbray. His younger brother Willie also fell in action between the 12th and 18th April 1918.
Bertie attested into the Army on a Short Service engagement (For the Duration of the War on the 28th February 1916 in Melton Mowbray. He gave his home address as 44, Burton Street, Melton Mowbray, his age as 18 years and 248 days and his trade or calling as shoe hand. He confirmed that he was unmarried. He gave his father, William Chamberlain of 44, Burton Street, Melton Mowbray as his next of kin. He gave his religion as Primitive Methodist. His medical examination recorded that he was 5 foot 8 inches in height and he had a chest measurement of between 32 and 34 inches. After attestation on the 28/2/16 in Melton Mowbray he was transferred as Private, service number 23073 to the Army Reserve. Mobilized on the 24/1/17. Posted to the Leicestershire Regiment Depot on the 24/1/17. Posted to the 10th Battalion Training Reserve at Rugeley Camp on the 27/1/17. Transferred to the 6th Battalion Training Reserve on the 24/2/17. Posted to the 32nd Infantry Brigade Depot, Etaples on the 3/5/17. Embarked to join the British Expeditionary Force, France on the 4/5/17. Transferred to the 10th Battalion Cheshire Regiment on the 20/5/17. Joined the 10th Battalion Cheshire Regiment, in the field on the 20/5/17. Killed in action on the 17/7/17. His record of service records. Home, 28/2/16, 1 day. Reserve, 29/2/16 – 23/1/17, 330 days. Home Service, 24/1/17 – 2/5/17, 99 days British Expeditionary Force, France, 3/5/17 – 17/7/17, 76 days. Total service 1 year 141 days. Bertie was awarded the British War and Victory medals.
The following information was provided by Bertie’s father William on the 13th December 1919, and was witnessed and signed by R. Brownlow, J.P., County of Leicester, Melton Mowbray on ARMY FORM W. 5080 (Information on deceased soldier’s family) Father of soldier, William Chamberlain of 44, Burton Street. Mother of soldier, Elizabeth Chamberlain of 44, Burton Street. Full blood brothers of soldier, H. S. Chamberlain, age 32 of 84, Ratcliffe Road, Loughborough. F. Chamberlain, age 28 of 71, Meadow Street, Weston Super Mare. Joe S. Chamberlain, age 15 of 44, Burton Street, Melton Mowbray. C. Chamberlain, age 12 of 44, Burton Street, Melton Mowbray. Full blood sisters of soldier, May Chamberlain, age 24 of 44, Burton Street, Melton Mowbray. Ivy Chamberlain, age 17 of 44, Burton Street, Melton Mowbray. Bertie’s surviving service documents are in poor condition, and much of the finer detail relating to the period of time that he spent in the Army, is either illegible or missing, hence the sparse overall description of his military and personal family history.
The War Diary records: 16 Jul-17 - ESPLANADE YPRES and RAILWAY. The enemy were very active throughout the day and night paying special attention to Communication Trenches the MENIN ROAD and YPRES this was thought to be in retaliation to gas projectiles we had been sending over, also to our last two days bombardment of his front and support lines. Some casualties were caused to our carrying parties. Usual work at night on KINGSWAY TRENCH and SUPPORT.
The War Diary records: 17 Jul-17 – ESPLANADE YPRES and RAILWAY. Quiet day spent in the line repairing damage done. Carrying and working parties as usual.
On Friday July 27th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR” – MELTON SOLDIER KILLED. Mr William Chamberlain, goods foreman at Melton Mowbray Midland Station, received news on Saturday that his son Pte. Bert Chamberlain, of the Cheshire Regt., had been killed in action. The young soldier’s officer wrote stating that he was killed by a shell whilst leaving the trenches on the 16th inst., and was buried the following day. Deceased who was 20 years of age, was apprenticed for six years with Mr W. Leader, boot and shoe manufacturer, and joined the colours the day after leaving his employ last January. After a short period of training he was sent to the Western front, going at once into trenches, and although only out about six weeks he took part in four engagements. Prior to leaving Melton deceased was a drummer in the Town Band for about 12 months. One of his brother’s, Pte. Frank Chamberlain, of the London Regt., was seriously wounded some nine months ago, and is still in hospital. He underwent a further operation this week. His eldest brother, Corpl. Harry Chamberlain, late of Leicestershire police force, joined the Howitzer Brigade, and he too has been wounded besides suffering from shell shock. Still another brother, William, joined up last Tuesday.
On Friday August 3rd 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS” – IN MEMORIAM. CHAMBERLAIN.- In ever loving memory of our dear son and brother Pte. Bert Chamberlain, Cheshire Regt., killed in action, July 16th 1917, aged 20 years. Somewhere in France there is a nameless grave. Where sleeps our loved one amongst the brave. One of the rank and file he heard the call. And for the land he loved he gave his all. From his sorrowing Mother, Father, Sisters and Brothers at home. In the same issue the following further article was published CHAMBERLAIN.- In ever loving memory of our dear brother, Pte. Bert Chamberlain, Cheshire Regt., killed in action July 16th 1917, aged 20 years. Farewell dear brother, your duty done. For England you did your best. “Tis those who loved you most on earth. Will miss you most in death. From his loving soldier brothers, Harry and Bill, and Frank (in hospital).
On Friday August 17th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL MEN IN THE CASUALTY LISTS” The following local casualties are reported in the official list issued for publication. Wednesday’s list included the following.- KILLED. CHESHIRE REGIMENT. Chamberlain, 50874 B. (Melton Mowbray).
On Friday July 12th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – IN MEMORIAM. – CHAMBERLAIN. – In ever loving memory of our dear son and brother. Pte. bert Chamberlain, Cheshire Regt., killed in action July 16th, 1917, aged 20 years.
We do not forget him, we loved him too dearly.
For his memory to fade from our hearts like a dream.
Our lips need not speak, when our hearts mourn sincerely.
For grief often dwells, where it seldom is seen.
From his loving Father, Mother, Sisters and Brothers at home, and Soldier Brother Bill.
CHAMBERLAIN. – In ever loving memory of our dear brother. Pte. Bert Chamberlain, Cheshire Regt., killed in action July 16th, 1917, aged 20 years.
Sad and oft do our thoughts wander.
To a grave so far away.
Where they laid our dearest brother.
Just a year ago today.
From his loving Brother and Sister, Frank and Blanche.