Sir Robert Chapman, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Chapman
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| Member of Parliament for Houghton-le-Spring |
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| In office 1931–1935 |
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| Preceded by | Robert Richardson |
| Succeeded by | William Stewart |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 3 March 1880 Westoe, South Shields, County Durham, England |
| Died | 31 July 1963 (aged 83) Undercliff, Cleadon, Sunderland, England |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouse | Hélène Paris MacGowan |
| Children | Sir Robert MacGowan Chapman, 2nd Baronet Henry James Nicholas Chapman |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1902–1937 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Service number | 7749 |
| Unit | Royal Artillery |
| Commands held | 4th Durham Howitzer Brigade |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards | Companion of the Order of the Bath Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George Commander of the Order of the British Empire Distinguished Service Order Territorial Decoration Efficiency Decoration Légion d'honneur Mention in Despatches (x4) |
Sir Robert Chapman, 1st Baronet (born March 3, 1880 – died July 31, 1963) was an important British figure. He was a soldier and also a politician for the Conservative Party. He achieved many honors during his life.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Robert Chapman was the son of Henry Chapman and Dora Gibson. His father was a well-known accountant and businessman in South Shields. Robert grew up with six brothers. All seven brothers attended South Shields High School.
Robert was a very good student. He became the School Captain in 1896. After high school, he went to London University. There, he earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. After finishing university, he joined his family's accounting business.
Military Career and Achievements
Robert Chapman began his military journey in 1902. He joined the 3rd Durham Royal Garrison Artillery. By 1904, he had become a Captain. In 1908, his unit became part of the new Territorial Force. It was renamed the 4th Durham (Howitzer) Brigade.
Robert was promoted to Major in December 1908. This meant he took command of his unit. He served bravely in the First World War. During the war, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In 1916, he received the Distinguished Service Order for his courage. The next year, in 1917, he was awarded the French Légion d'honneur.
In 1918, he was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George. He also received the Territorial Decoration in 1919. He continued to advance in the army. He became a Brevet Colonel in 1924 and a full Colonel in 1925. In 1935, he became the Honorary Colonel of his old regiment. He retired from the army in 1937. Later, in 1955, he was awarded the Efficiency Decoration.
Political Service
Robert Chapman also had a successful career in politics. In 1921, he was elected as one of the first Councillors for the new Harton Ward. In the same year, he became a Deputy Lieutenant for County Durham. This was an important local role.
In 1931, he became the Mayor of South Shields. Later that year, he was elected to the Parliament. He became a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Houghton-le-Spring constituency. This area usually voted for the Labour Party. However, in the 1931 election, the Conservative Party gained many seats. This happened because the Labour Party had disagreements about money matters.
Robert Chapman lost his seat in the 1935 general election. He did not run for Parliament again after that. In 1940, he served as High Sheriff of Durham. He continued to receive honors for his service. On June 8, 1944, he was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath. On January 1, 1945, he became a Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
In 1949, he was made Vice-Lieutenant of County Durham. He was knighted on March 14, 1950, becoming a knight bachelor. On June 23, 1950, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of St John. Finally, on January 30, 1958, he was made a baronet. This meant he became "Sir Robert Chapman, 1st Baronet, of Cleadon".
Personal Life and Family
In 1909, Robert Chapman married Hélène Paris. She was the daughter of James George MacGowan. Robert and Hélène had two sons.
Sir Robert Chapman passed away on July 31, 1963, at the age of 83. His eldest son, Robert, inherited his title and became the 2nd Baronet.
Honors and Recognitions
- January 30, 1958: Became the 1st Baronet Chapman of Cleadon.
- June 23, 1950: Appointed Officer of the Order of St John.
- March 14, 1950: Knighted as a Knight Bachelor.
- January 1, 1945: Appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
- June 8, 1944: Appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath.
- January 1, 1918: Appointed Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George.
- May 1, 1917: Awarded the Chevalier de Légion d'honneur (from France).
- January 11, 1916: Awarded the Distinguished Service Order.
- November 4, 1919: Awarded the Territorial Decoration.
- January 1, 1955: Awarded the Efficiency Decoration.
Honorary Military Roles
- 1935 – 1950: Served as Honorary Colonel for the 74th (Northumbrian) Field Regiment Royal Artillery.
Images for kids
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The coat of arms associated with the Chapman family of Cleadon.
