Birth

Enlistment Information

Military Service

Embarkation Information

Military Awards

Death

Biographical Notes

John Chapman who was known as Jack, was born on 19 July 1885 at Geraldine, the elder son of Samuel Henry and Jane Eleanor (née Edens) Chapman. Samuel and Jane who were both from England, married in 1878 in New Zealand. A daughter and two sons were born to them at Geraldine. Samuel Henry Chapman died on 10 August 1895, aged 48 years, and was buried at Geraldine. His widow was granted administration of his estate.

At the annual distribution of prizes at Geraldine Public School in January 1892, John Chapman was rewarded for general excellence in Preparatory class No. 1. His older sister Lily received an award at the same time. In April 1892 he received a prize for first in Standard One Boys at St Mary’s Anglican Church Sunday School, Geraldine, as did Lily. And at the annual distribution of prizes at the Geraldine Public School, both John and Lily were again rewarded. It was a Boys Standard II prize that John received at the April 1893 presentation for St Mary’s Sunday School, and Lily a Girls Standard V. John’s prize at the Geraldine Public School presentation in December 1893 was for Standard I, and Lily’s for Standard IV. The Sunday School prize distribution was held in mid-March in 1894, John receiving a Standard III prize and Lily Standard V. It was a Standard II school prize for John in 1894 and Standard V for Lily. In 1895 he was placed first in Boys Standard III at Sunday School, and Lily second in Standard VI. So, the pattern continued – Sunday School prizes for John and Lily in 1896, and for John, Lily and Frank (Infants) in 1897. Frank continued to appear in the Sunday School prize list.

John followed in his father’s footsteps as a gardener. In 1903, John’s gardening talent came to notice when he gained a placing with his beet at the Geraldine Floral, Horticultural and Industrial Association Show, and second for both the best collection of vegetables and a dish of raspberries, as well as red cabbages, parsnips, turnips and broad beans. At the 1897 show, he won 2nd prize for “three pot plants, grown by children under 15 years of age without the aid of a greenhouse”; and another award at the 1902 show. From 1904 he not only enjoyed considerable and regular success in the show, but also served on the committee.

J. Chapman was one who contributed songs or other entertainment at a birthday party given by a veteran Good Templar of Geraldine for members of Welcome Retreat Lodge in March 1903. At a meeting in connection with the Welcome Retreat Good Templar Lodge in September 1904 he gave a recitation which was well received, and at the June 1906 meeting he gave a song. He gave valuable assistance at the St Mary’s English Sunday School treat held in the Geraldine Volunteer Hall in late January 1905. October 1905 found him assisting at the bachelors’ stall, which contained a miscellaneous collection of articles, including fancy goods, produce, flowers pictures, sewing, etc., at the bazaar held in aid of funds for an asphalt cycle track at Geraldine. In 1907 it was at the bazaar of the Geraldine Rifles that he manned the bachelors’ stall, while in 1909 it was the flower stall for the Geraldine Sports bazaar. Later in the year he won the men’s hat trimming at competitions held by the Geraldine Sports bazaar. He came second in the same competition at the Woodbury Gymkhana in September 1913. He also helped with the decorations for the 1907 Christmas Day services at St Mary’s Church, Geraldine. He served on the committee when, in 1910, the Geraldine bachelors held the biggest ball ever known in Geraldine. In the same year he acted as a class steward at the Geraldine Spring Flower Show, completing his work comfortably by midday. He won the trophy for most points in show at the 1910 Geraldine Rose Show. He was placed first in the Men’s Decorated Bicycle at Geraldine’s coronation celebrations in June 1911. He obtained and presented and oak tree to the Geraldine Coronation Memorial Committee, and also presented them with the 10 shillings won for the best decorated bicycle, for which he was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. In 1912, and again in 1913, Mr Chapman showed not only at the Geraldine show but also at the Timaru Flower Show. In May 1912 at Orari a young bride “carried a lovely shower bouquet, the gift of Mr J. Chapman.”

“Mr J. Chapman, Geraldine, has a novelty in his garden in the shape of the yellow Frau Karl Druschki rose which is now in full bloom. Mr Chapman informs us that there is now a red specimen of a Frau on the market, and he hopes to secure one this year.” [Temuka Leader. 3 February 1914.] In August 1914, a parcel of land in the Geraldine Borough, which was owned by Jane Eleanor Chapman and occupied by John Chapman, was to be bought under the provisions of the Land Transfer Act, 1908. Jack was surely the J. Chapman who contributed three bags of parsnips to the Home Relief Fund in October 1914 at Geraldine. And presumably the J. Chapman (Geraldine) who was elected a member of the Temuka and Geraldine A. and P. Association in May 1915.

Mr John Chapman, Geraldine’s latest volunteer for active service, was given an enthusiastic send-off at the Crown Hotel, Geraldine, on 12 March 1917, the eve of his departure for Trentham. Having only made up his mind to go a few days before, he enlisted on 9 March 1917 at Timaru. In proposing Mr Chapman’s health, Major Kennedy spoke of the interest which he had always taken in anything affecting the welfare of the district and eulogised his patriotism. He had always been to the fore when anything was being done to benefit the town, and especially was he a supporter of sports of every description. “He was too good a citizen and too good a fellow to be allowed to go away without their showing appreciation of his actions.” Mr Chapman had been one of the first to interest himself in giving farewells to the boys who were leaving for the front, and it was hoped he would be spared to be present at another function given in his honour on his safe return from the war. Jack was presented with a wristlet watch, which he suitably acknowledged. During the evening songs, recitations and a Maori haka were given, and the singing of Auld Lang Syne brought an enjoyable evening to an end.

On Tuesday, 13 March, the draft of men from the Temuka (5) and Geraldine (5) districts left Temuka to join the 27th Reinforcements, but only after they had been entertained to afternoon tea by the ladies of the Temuka Patriotic Entertainment Committee in the Drill Hall. After the tea Mr Gunnion asked them “to act as men wherever they might go, wished them all good fortune, and assured them of a hearty welcome on their return.” Colonel Mackenzie said that they were all proud of the men who are going away”. He was glad to see signs of the end. He wished the men a successful career as soldiers. A procession was then formed and marched to the station, headed by the Brass Band playing martial airs. Further speeches were made after the roll had been called. As the train left, the men were again heartily cheered, and the Band played “Soldiers of the King.”

John was 5 feet 5½ inches tall, weighed 152 pounds, and had a chest measurement of 34-37½ inches. He had a fair complexion, blue eyes and fair hair. His sight, hearing and colour vision were all good, his limbs and chest well formed, and his heart and lungs normal, but his teeth were bad. He was free from diseases and fits, vaccinated, in good bodily and mental health, with no slight defects and no distinctive marks or marks indicating congenital peculiarities or previous disease. A gardener, single and Anglican, Jack named his mother as next-of-kin – Mrs J. E. Chapman, Geraldine. His mother was absolutely dependent on him. There was one little hiccup while at Trentham – overstaying leave, for which he was admonished. Private J. Chapman embarked with the Canterbury Infantry Regiment of the 26th Reinforcements, departing from Wellington on 9 June 1917 per the “Willochra”, and disembarking at Devonport, England, on 16 August. Having marched into Sling on that day, he proceeded overseas to France on 23 September.

On 6 November 1917 he was evacuated sick and admitted first to the New Zealand Field Ambulance then to the New Zealand Stationary Hospital at Wisques, France, suffering with tonsillitis. It was not until 28 December that he was transferred to the Base Depot in France and could rejoin his Unit. At the Geraldine Rose Show held on 22 November 1917, Mrs Chapman sent for exhibition only a fine collection of roses on behalf of her son, Private J. Chapman, a former exhibitor.

On 5 July 1918 he was again evacuated sick to hospital, this time with diarrhoea. After several admissions to the Casualty Clearing Station during July, he was able to rejoin his Battalion from the Casualty Clearing Station on 3 August, after sickness. But, not three weeks later he was wounded in Action and admitted successively to the Field Ambulance, the Casualty Clearing Station and No. 32 Stationary Hospital at Wimereux on 24 August, with multiple gunshot wounds to left leg. He embarked for England and was admitted to the New Zealand General Hospital at Walton on 30 August. In August, the case of Private J. Chapman, Geraldine, was reported as not severe, but this was not so.

Private John Chapman returned home on the troopship “Marama”, which left from Southampton on 19 December 1918 and was due at Auckland in late January 1919. On 30 January, many flags were flown at Geraldine in honour of the soldiers who were returning home. A large crowd had gathered near the post office when the cars bringing the afternoon group arrived, but, unfortunately, Private Chapman who was a cot case, went on to Timaru for hospital treatment. In late February, however, members of the Geraldine Anglican Church choir met at a social gathering to welcome home one of their number, Private J. Chapman, who had returned wounded from the war. The vicar (the Rev. Canon Hamilton) spoke extending a welcome to Private Chapman on behalf of the choir and expressed their pleasure from having him back amongst them again. Cheers were given for the returned soldier, and “For he’s a jolly good fellow” was enthusiastically sung. After this, games and competitions were indulged in, and a pleasant musical evening was spent.

A Medical Board was assembled at Timaru on 16 September 1919 to assess John. The shell fragments form his gunshot wounds had resulted in stiffness of his ankle. Progress was stationary; disability was likely to continue for three months. It was recommended that he receive further treatment as an in-patient of the Timaru Military Hospital. A gunshot wound to his left ankle resulted in permanent disability and a pension. He was discharged on 11 December 1919, no longer physically fit for War Service on account of wounds received in Action and was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

John returned to his home at Geraldine with his mother and got back into his gardening. In August 1924, the Geraldine Borough Council approved transfer of a section to Mr John Chapman. In April 1926, a sweetly pretty fairy danced forward and presented the Queen of the Geraldine Carnival with a big bouquet of flowers, which was a gift from Mr J. Chapman. He may have been elected a vice-president of the Geraldine Football Club the month before. In 1928 Mr J. Chapman was elected a vice-president of the Geraldine Ladies’ Hockey Club. There he was at the hockey club’s annual ball in 1932. Pte. J. Chapman was one of those present at the first social function held by the newly formed Geraldine Ex-Servicemen’s Association in September 1927. The association was primarily formed to keep alive Anzac Day. They would probably meet only once a year. Toasts were honoured, a roll call taken, and entertainment provided. For a time, John Chapman was a member of the Geraldine Beautifying Committee. At the October 1930 meeting of the Geraldine Women’s Institute, Mr Chapman gave an instructive address on “Gardening”, basing his remarks on his own experiences and practical knowledge. He was given a hearty vote of thanks. He was the judge of vegetables and fruit at the fifty-ninth annual summer show of the Geraldine Horticultural Society in February 1943.

“This zoning muddle continues,” said the Mayor of Geraldine (Mr D. C. McKechnie) yesterday, “and the latest effort of the Transport Department threatens to ruin a returned soldier of the 1914-18 war who has courageously carried on with a market gardening business since his return in spite of ill-health, the loss of an arm, and an injured leg which has required frequent hospital treatment.” [Timaru Herald. 6 February 1943.] It appears that the completed zoning scheme did not meet with the approval of local authorities. A Gazette notice was issued preventing Mr J. Chapman, of Geraldine, from carrying on his normal and long-established business of selling his vegetables and fruit from home to home. He has no shop and his gardens are 1½ miles out from the Post Office. Old people and invalids, and mothers with families whose fathers are serving in the Forces, who have collected their own bread from the depots cheerfully as a war effort, are becoming concerned. “Must they collect their own fruit and vegetables and their own meat as well?” asked the Mayor. “What I would like to know, is on whose recommendation Mr Chapman has been prevented by the Minister of Transport (the Hon. J. O’Brien) from making deliveries, . . . . .” “I understand Mr Chapman has taken the matter up with the Transport Department but has received no reply,” Mr McKechnie concluded. “I have advised him to continue with his deliveries meanwhile and am writing to the Minister of Transport myself.” The Mayor did give up in his efforts to support Mr Jack Chapman, and he had the support of his councillors and, indeed, the community. The regulation regarding greengrocery deliveries generally may have been relaxed, and the people of Geraldine would be able to continue getting their previous service and there would be nothing to prevent Mr Chapman from carrying on his long-established business. At the sitting in Timaru in March 1943 to hear appeals against service, an extension of leave to 31 May was recommended for a gardener with Mr J. Chapman, Geraldine.

John Chapman died on 2 September 1966 at Timaru, aged 81 years. He was buried with John William Campbell in the Services Section of Geraldine Cemetery, where services plaques mark their graves. After a funeral service at St Mary’s Church, Geraldine, members of the Geraldine R.S.A. paraded at the Geraldine Cemetery Gates. Jack’s only sister, Lily, died at Christchurch Hospital on 5 November 1906, aged 24 years. Jane Eleanor Chapman – mother of J. Chapman, Talbot Street, Geraldine, and F. Chapman, Christchurch – died on 17 June 1944 at Timaru, aged 91. She had spent her last days at Talbot Hospital. Samuel, Jane and Lily are all buried at Geraldine Cemetery. Frank Chapman – “dearly loved brother of Jack” – died suddenly at Greymouth (of Halswell) on 30 November 1959, aged 69. Frank married a Geraldine lass, Lilian Emily McCabe, in 1920. He and Lilian were buried at the Memorial Park Cemetery, Christchurch, Lilian in 1986. They were survived by two daughters and a son. Jack was, therefore, the last of his generation. He bequeathed one of his tapestry pictures to each of his nieces, Lily McKay and Dulcie Walsh; all his old pictures and photographs to the Geraldine Borough Council; £100 to each of his nieces and his nephew Frank John Chapman; the residue of his property divided between the Institute for the Blind at Christchurch and the Anglican Church at Geraldine. A good man who had spent all his life, but years of service abroad, at Geraldine.

Sources

Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database [30 July 2016]; N Z Defence Force Personnel Records (Archives NZ Ref. AABK 18805 W5530 002417) [31 July 2014]; Geraldine Cemetery headstone images (Timaru District Council) [12 July 2014]; South Canterbury Times, 28 January 1892, 22 December 1893, Temuka Leader, 12 April 1892, 17 December 1892, 15 April 1893, 17 March 1894, 22 December 1894, 2 April 1895, 7 May 1896, 16 January 1897, 8 April 1897, 18 January 1902, 17 January 1903, 21 March 1903, 16 January 1904, 9 July 1904, 29 September 1904, 21 & 31 January 1905, 28 September 1905, 28 October 1905, 20 January 1906, 21 June 1906, 27 September 1906, 6 & 13 November 1906, 5 October 1907, 28 December 1907, 3 October 1908, 8 July 1909, 30 September 1909, 28 October 1909, 22 January 1910, 11 June 1910, 29 September 1910, 26 November 1910, 24 June 1911, 26 September 1911, 26 September 1912, 11 January 1913, 3 February 1914, 15 & 24 March 1917, 21 January 1919, 1 February 1919, 1 March 1919, 14 August 1924, 20 February 1926, 31 March 1926, 24 April 1926, 10 September 1927, 27 August 1932, Timaru Herald, 17 January 1903, 16 January 1904, 26 July 1907, 17 & 8 January 1908, 12 August 1911, 19 January 1912, 16 February 1912, 19 September 1913, 16 January 1914, 20 July 1914, 6 October 1914, 22 January 1915, 26 March 1915, 4 March 1916, 14, 20 & 23 March 1917, 23 November 1917, 2 & 10 September 1918, 21 & 31 January 1919, 1 March 1919, 14 August 1924, 7 April 1928, 11 October 1930, 4, 6, 10 & 12 February 1943, 19 March 1943, 19 June 1944, Evening Post, 31 August 1918, 9 September 1918, Otago Daily Times, 21 January 1919, Press, 6 February 1943, 1 & 2 December 1959, 23 June 1986 (Papers Past) [19 December 2015; 31 July 2016; 14 July 2017; 22 August 2020; 01 September 2020; 21 January 2022; 24, 25 & 26 September 2023]; Timaru Herald, 5 September 1966 (Timaru District Library) [01 August 2016]; Probate record (Archives NZ/FamilySearch) [11 May 2017]; NZ Electoral Rolls (ancestry.com.au) [6 September 2023]

External Links

• Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph record
• Military personnel file

Related Documents

• CHAPMAN John - newspaper clippings (pdf, 243.4 KB updated 04-Oct-2023)

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