Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 2 August 1941

Wombwell Man a Prisoner

After Being Twice Reported Missing

Mrs. Chapman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Thorpe. 12. Hadfield Street. Wombwell, has received news that her husband, Trooper Ernest Chapman (25), Royal Tank Regiment, is a prisoner of war.

He was reported missing as from April 28th after active service in the Middle East,the message being received on June 5th. He was also officially reported missing after the withdrawal from Dunkirk, but had reached England before the message was received at Wombwell.

Trooper Chapman is a son of Mr and Mrs Ernest Chapman, of 59, Lundhill Top Wombwell, who have another son (Fred) serving in the Navy. He enlisted at the age of 18, and was drafted to France in the early days of the war.

Trooper Chapman married Miss Thorpe, the day before the outbreak of war, the wedding being arranged at less than twenty-four hours’ notice. The message to Mrs Chapman says that her husband is fit and well,” and advises her to communicate with him through the Red Cross Association.

Trooper Chapman’s wife is engaged on war work and her sister, Miss Margery Thorpe (19), is in the W.A.A.F. Her brother is serving in the Home Guard.