Herbert Edward Chapman

A Deck Hand, Herbert served with the Royal Naval Reserve and was the only survivor when the Drifter Persistive was blown up by a mine on 9 February 1916. 

Herbert was born at Pakefield on 14 June 1897, a son of Albert S. and Hannah Chapman. Herbert was baptised at All Saints’ Church, Pakefield, in 1897. In 1901 his family lived at 9 Church Street, Pakefield. 

Herbert was living at 9 Church Street, Pakefield, when he joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 11 January 1915, number 3227 DA, and he served as a Deck Hand on the Drifter Persistive from 15 January 1916.

On 9 February 1916 the Persistive was blown up by a mine. Herbert was hauling in nets at the time and he was severely injured. Herbert was rescued. His leg was badly injured which eventually led to amputation and he had an artificial leg fitted.

He was discharged on 11 October 1916 and intended to live at Freemantle House, 161 London Road, Lowestoft. 

Herbert married Rhoda Ethel Wilcox 1919

In 1939 Herbert, Rhoda, and children, lived at 20 Avondale Road, Lowestoft, and Herbert worked as a night watchman. 

Herbert died in 1961.