Harry Thomas Chipperfield

A Gunner with 14th Heavy Artillery Group, Harry died on 12th of April 1917 at the age of 40. 

Harry was born at Oulton Broad on 15 December 1876, a son of Charles Thomas and Mary Elizabeth Chipperfield. He was baptised at Saint Michael’s Church, Oulton, on 10 June 1877. In 1881 his family lived at Mutford Bridge, Oulton. By 1891 they lived at 6 Beccles Road, Oulton, and Harry was a butcher’s assistant working with his father. In 1901 they lived at the Butcher’s Shop, Cambridge House, Bridge Road, Oulton. Harry’s father died in 1911 and later his mother moved to Streatham, London.

On 18 November 1901 Harry married Agnes Elizabeth Childs at Antingham Parish Church. In 1911 they lived at 4 Broad View, Oulton Broad.

Harry was working as a butcher’s manager when he attested for the Army at Lowestoft on 12 December 1915. He was called up on 20 September 1916 and joined the Royal Garrison Artillery, service number 119890. Harry was posted to No 2 Depot, then the Heavy Depot, on 9 October 1916, and ‘B’ Siege Depot on 24 November 1916. He arrived in France on 9 February 1917 and joined the Fifth Army Pool on 25 February. Subsequently he was posted to the 14th Heavy Artillery Group. 

On 11 April 1917 the 14th Heavy Artillery Groups three batteries, 150 Siege, 214 Siege and 296 Siege, were all involved in providing a barrage to cover the attack on the Hindenburg Line, including Bullecourt and Riencourt. The group had 11 guns in action and fired 1,454 shells. During that day Harry was wounded receiving gunshot wounds to his legs, back and buttocks, and was admitted to 9 Casualty Clearing Station, where he died of wounds the next day.

Harry’s personal effects, an identity disc, letters, religious book, linen bag, and a cap badge, were forwarded to Agnes and 10 French francs, which he had in his possession, was credited to his Army account.