MILITARY HISTORY

Bombardier George Arthur Chappell – C 50118 – ACTIVE SERVICE (World War II)

On July 9, 1940 George Arthur Chappell completed the Attestation Paper for the Canadian Active Service Force (CASF) at Peterborough, Ontario. He was 24 years, 6 months and 21 days old when, as a single man, he enlisted in Peterborough for the duration of the War.  George  was born in Lakefield, Ontario and gave his birth-date as December 18, 1915. He lists his present address as Queen Street, Lakefield. George Arthur indicated that he had previous Military experience in a Reserve Militia with the 4th Canadian Machinegun Corps from March 18, 1936 to July 8, 1940; he had not served in an Active Formation or Unit of The Canadian Army. As far as his Trade or Calling is concerned, he lists Printer. George Arthur was 5′ 8″ tall, weighed 131 pounds, had a 34″ Chest (expanded), he had blue eyes and brown hair. George Arthur completed Grade 8 at the Lakefield School at 15 years old. His next-of-kin was listed as his father, Mr. Walter Chappell living at Queen Street, Lakefield.

George Arthur’s enlistment medical examination took place in Peterborough on July 9, 1940. His medical indicated that he had an Appendectomy in 1933, there were no complications. George Arthur had a brown mole on the front of his left shoulder. He was deemed medically fit (Category A) for Overseas duty with the CASF. George Chappell signed the Oath on July 9th, 1940 in Lindsay. The Certificate of Magistrate was signed by the Justice in Lindsay on July 9, 1940. On July 9, 1940 George Arthur Chappell was taken-on-strength with the 4th Anti-tank Battery (A-tk Bty), Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA), CASF. He was assigned the Rank of Gunner (Gnr) and Service Number C 50118. July 28, 1940 George Arthur indicates that he is Insured with the Prudential Life Insurance Company. Payments of the Insurance Premium is arranged. August 1, 1940 Gnr Chappell made a Pay Assignment of $20.00 per week to his mother, Mrs. A. E. Chappell of Lakefield (changed to $17.00 monthly, effective May 1, 1944).

On December 28, 1940 Gnr Chappell was granted a combined Furlough and New-Years Leave to April 15, 1941 to Lindsay. Also on April 15, 1941 he received Trade Rate Driver i/c, Class 3 pay at Debert, Nova Scotia. July 7, 1941 Gnr Chappell was granted Embarkation Leave. From July 9 – October 8, 1941 L/Bdr Chappell did Basic and Advanced Training, driving. July 24, 1941 Gnr Chappell was appointed to the Rank of Acting Lance Bombardier (A/L/Bdr). July 28, 1941 A/L/Bdr Chappell was promoted to the Rank of L/Bdr.

On September 9, 1941 L/Bdr Chappell was Trade Tested as a Mobile Canteen (MC) Orderly. October 6, 1941 L/Bdr Chappell was struck-off-strength from the Canadian Army (Canada) and embarked at Halifax, Nova Scotia for England. October 18, 1941 he disembarked at Liverpool, England and was taken-on-strength with the Canadian Army (Overseas). October 19, 1941 L/Bdr Chappell did driver training in the Field. He was granted Landing Leave in the Field United Kingdom (UK) from October 24 to 28, 1941 and was struck-off-strength from the 4th A-tk Battery (Bty) to the 3rd A-tk Regiment (Regt).

From October 28 to November 30, 1941 L/Bdr Chappell is attached to the 245th A-tk Battery (Bty), Royal Artillery (RA) for Rations and Quarters. November 20, 1941 he qualified as a Driver i/c, English Standards. On January 19, 1942 L/Bdr Chappell was granted 7 days Privilege Leave, FTW, to January 26, 1942. On May 4, 1942 L/Bdr Chappell was granted Privilege Leave FTW (P 2) to May 11, 1942. On June 5, 1941 an Occupation History Form was completed for Gnr Chappell. The data stated that he was working for a Peterborough Printing Company when he enlisted. His job was printing which he had done for 10 years. A job was promised on his return from the War; he had no farming experience. June 24, 1942 L/Bdr Chappell to be an Acting Bombardier (A/Bdr).

July 3, 1942 A/Bdr Chappell is admitted to the No 22 Field Ambulance (FA) with Scabies; he was discharged on July 5, 1942. (Scabies is a mite infestation of the skin that causes tiny reddish bumps and severe itching, it is infectious. He was returned to duty after receiving medication. On July 10, 1942 Bdr Chappell was granted Privilege Leave FTW P 3 to July 17, 1942. July 20, 1942 A/Bdr Chappell was seen by the Unit Medical Officer

and was admitted to the No 22 Main Dressing Station (MDS) with Scabies. About two weeks ago he was in for treatment of Scabies. Bdr Chappell was discharged to his Unit on July 21, 1942; July 22, 1942 he returned to his Unit from the MDS. August 8, 1942 A/Bdr Chappell is admitted to the No 9 Field Ambulance (FA); he was discharged on August 10, 1942. On September 1, 1942 A/Bdr Chappell is confirmed in the Rank of Bombardier (Bdr). October 15, 1942 Bdr Chappell was granted 9 days Privilege Leave to October 24, 1942 with Meal Allowance.

January 12, 1943 Bdr Chappell was granted 9 days Privilege Leave with a Meal Allowance to January 21, 1943. April 15, 1943 he was granted 9 days Privilege Leave to April 24, 1943. July 15, 1943 Bdr Chappell to be an Acting/Lance /Sergeant A/L/Sgt. A/L/Sgt Chappell was granted 9 days Privilege Leave from July 29 to August 7, 1943. October 15, 1943 A/L/Sgt Chappell to be a Lance/Sergeant (L/Sgt). L/Sgt Chappell was granted 9 days Privilege Leave from November 3 to 12, 1943.

January 1, 1944 L/Sgt Chappell was awarded the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp. L/Sgt Chappell was granted 9 days Privilege Leave from January 28 to February 6, 1944 with Meal Allowance. On May 12, 1944 L/Sgt Chappell is to be an Acting/Sergeant (a/Sgt). On June 3, 1944 A/Sgt Chappell embarked the UK and disembarked at France on June 6, 1944. July 25, 1944 he is struck-off-strength from the 3rd A-tk Regt to the X-3 List RCA (D). On July 25, 1944 Sgt Chappell was seen at the No 14 Canadian Field Ambulance. Sgt Chappell was diagnosed with exhaustion and admitted to the No 7 Canadian Field Dressing Station (CFDS). He was discharged from the CFDS on July 29, 1944 and went to the 46th Company, 10th Bn to recover. On July 26, 1944 A/Sgt Chappell is taken-on-strength to the X-3 List in the Field. July 30, 1944 he was posted from the X-3 List RCA (D) to the X-4 List (10 Bn) RCA (D). July 31, 1944 A/Sgt Chappell is struck-off-strength from the X-4 List (10 Bn) RCA (D) to the 3rd A-tk Regt. August 2, 1944 he was taken-on-strength to the 3rd A-tk Regt from the X-4 List. Also on August 2, 1944 A/Sgt Chappell reverts to the Rank of Bombardier on his own request.

On February 21, 1945 Bdr Chappell qualified and granted Temporary Pay as Store-man T & D “C”. About May 5, 1945, while in Germany, Bdr Chappell had an Impetigo pimple on his upper lip. It very quickly was treated and in one month it was cleared except for one spot. It broke out again at the end of July 1945. July 27, 1945 he was struck-off-strength to the 240th CD MD 3 Store T & D “C”. July 28, 1945 Bdr Chappell is taken-on-strength from the 3rd Canadian A-tk Regt (CDA) to Store T & D “C”.

Bdr Chappell was granted 9 days Privilege Leave from March 12 to 21, 1945 to the UK. A Supplement to Personnel Selection Record for Bdr Chappell at the No 3 Canadian Repatriation Depot, August 15, 1945 stated that he wishes a course in Linotype and “On Job Training”. Bdr Chappell is single with no family responsibilities; eager and sincere. He worked as a Printer-Compositor for six years before enlisting. Further Counselling suggested On Job Training in Linotype; if and when such an opportunity is available to him. August 16, 1945 Bdr Chappell was awarded the 1939 – 45 Star; the France and Germany Star and the Defence Medal. About August 8, 1945 Bdr Chappell embarked at France for England. On August 23, 1945 Bdr Chappell was taken-on-strength to No 3 DD, Holding Establishment (HE) Ontario from the Canadian Army (O/S) and embarked at England for Canada. August 27, 1945 Bdr Chappell was struck-off-strength from the Canadian Army (Overseas) in the UK. About August 30, 1945 he disembarked at Halifax, Nova Scotia.

September 2, 1945 he was admitted to the Kingston Military Hospital due to Impetigo from lingering exposure to battlefield chemicals in Europe. On September 12, 1945 Bdr Chappell was discharged from the Kingston Military Hospital. On September 13, 1945 he was granted 30 days Disembarkation Leave with Ration Allowance.

On October 22, 1945 Bombardier George Arthur Chappell was Discharged from the Canadian Army to return to civil life (on demobilization) and granted a Clothing Allowance of $100.00 and a Rehabilitation Grant at No 3 District Depot, Kingston, Ontario.

Bombardier George Arthur Chappell’s Military File indicates that he was eligible to receive the following Medals:
1939 – 45 Star;
France & Germany Star;
Defence Medal;
Canadian Volunteer Service Medal & Clasp; and
War Medal 1939
He also qualified for the War Service Badge, Class A; No 454928 which was presented to him at the No 3 DD on October 22, 1945. George Arthur Chappell’s Medals and Decorations were dispatched to him at Queen St., Lakefield Ontario, October 4, 1949.

Also, on October 22, 1945 George Arthur Chappell applied for his War Service Gratuity (WSG). November 27, 1945 his WSG was calculated as $988.48; this amount was paid to him in instalments.

December 11, 1945 Mr. George Arthur Chappell was sent a letter (by Registered Mail) which contained the Will that he executed while on Active Service in the Canadian Army.

According to Bombardier Chappell’s Military File he served a total of 5 years, 3 months and 13 days with the Canadian Active Service Force; the Royal Canadian Artillery: 1 year, 2 months and 19 days in Canada; 2 years, 9 months in the UK; 1 year, 3 months and 2 days in Europe; and about 21 days travel time.

An excerpt from an article in Maclean’s by Barbara Ameil, September 1996:

”The Military is the single calling in the world with job specifications that include a commitment to die for your nation. What could be more honorable”.

PERSONAL HISTORY

GEORGE ARTHUR CHAPPELL

George Arthur Chappell was born in Lakefield on December 18, 1915, the son of Walter Chappell and Annie Elizabeth Barker. He received his education in Lakefield and was known by his friends around the village as “Ponzi”. He worked at various places before the War broke out such as taxi driver, undertaker’s helper and in 1934-40 he worked as a Printer Compositor in Peterborough for $20 per week and from 1938-39 he worked for the Webster Brothers in Lakefield for $20 per week when he could fit it in.

George was one of the first to join up on July 9, 1940 and served in the 3rd Anti Tank Corps as a bombardier and fought at D Day, in France, Belgium and Holland. He was in 2 M-10 tanks that were destroyed by enemy fire, and in one case was the sole survivor of the tank crew. He enjoyed having fun when he could and liked to tell the story of being camped across the river from German forces and waiting until they saw a German enter the privy, and opening fire close to the outhouse with the 50 caliber machine gun, and laughing while the frightened German ran for cover with his pants still down. George was said to be the “most popular man in the Troops”. George was the victim of a booby trapped soap left behind by retreating Germans that left his face significantly irritated, and got him the “sole” exemption from the Canadian Commanding Officer to allow him to wear a beard instead of being clean shaven while he recovered. He loved to pull out this exemption to confound lower ranked officers who attempted to give him a dressing down for not shaving. (George eventually got the inflammation under control be switching to an electric razor)(Courtesy of Mike Chappell)

When he returned home, George married Dorothy Irene Delarge in Lakefield on October 2, 1965 and they made their home on Rolliston Street. George was step father to Dorothy’s children Diane Lloyd (nee De Large), Linda Rae (nee De Large) and father to Michael Chappell. George worked as a lino type operator for Maxwell Review Printers for 42 years.

George was very involved in sports, especially hockey playing centre position. George was Manager and Joe Blewett the Coach of the Lakefield Peewee Hockey team in 1958-59 and the team went undefeated with 36 wins and two ties. He was a member of the Lakefield Lions Club and was their number one Bingo Caller and always announced BINGO BANGO BONGO! He was a great contributing citizen of Lakefield involved intensely as a reliable worker in our Lions, Legion and all local hockey organizations. Dorothy and George enjoyed travelling, visiting most of Canada, the United States and Europe. George passed away on November 4, 1995 and Dorothy died December 30, 2005; both are buried in Hillside Cemetery in Lakefield. (Courtesy of Neil Wasson)

THE GEORGE ARTHUR CHAPPELL FAMILY OF LAKEFIELD

George Arthur Chappell’s paternal grandparents were Alice Naylor and Thomas Henry Chappell of Yorkshire, England. They had a family of at least seven children: Herbert; Louis; Beatrice; Walter; John; Thomas and Hilda Chappell. They lived in Marshall Street in Morley, Yorkshire, England and Thomas was a plumber.

George Arthur Chappell’s parents were Walter Chappell born November 14, 1887 in Morley, Yorkshire, England and Annie Elizabeth Barker born in April 1890. They married in Dewsbury, Yorkshire, England on May 2, 1911 and immigrated to Canada soon after their marriage. They settled in Lakefield where Walter worked as a shoemaker and was custodian of the old Post Office. They raised a family of five children: Thomas; George Arthur; John “Jack” William; Mary “Alice” and Elsie Irma Chappell. Sadly, Thomas died of drowning near the Lakefield Hydro Generator plant on September 22, 1927 at age 14 years and is buried in Hillside Cemetery in Lakefield, Ontario. Walter passed away on September 13, 1958 and Annie died August 1, 1972; both are buried in Hillside Cemetery in Lakefield, Ontario. (Courtesy of Neil Wasson)

George Arthur Chappell is remembered and honoured on a framed document that hangs in St. John the Baptist Anglican Church in Lakefield Ontario.