Category: Military
Rank: Ordinary Seaman
Regiment or Ship: Royal Navy
Service Number(s): J56020
Occupation: Grocer’s Manager
Date of Birth: 26.08.1893
Place of Birth: Sandhurst, Kent
Date of Death: 1977
Place of Death: Birkenhead, Merseyside
Address: 34 Windsor Road, Bexhill
Photos and newspaper articles
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Family Information
Parents: Jesse Chantler, b. 1865 in Sandhurst, d. 1944, and Annie Chantler (nee Croucher), b. 1862 in Tenterden, Kent, d. 1918.
Siblings:
Harry E. Chantler, b. 1892 in Sandhurst.
Nellie Marie Annie Chantler, b. 1896 in Sandhurst.
Dorothy Maud Chantler, b. 1899 in Bexhill.
In 1901 Jesse and Annie and their family were living in Alexandra Road, Bexhill but by 1911 had moved to 34 Windsor Road. Jesse was a self-employed house decorator and painter and, in 1911, Albert was employed as a grocer’s apprentice.
Spouse: In 1920 Albert married Edith Topping (1895-1945) and they had one son, Reginald L. Chantler (1921-1987).
First World War Experience
Albert’s service record has survived but, unfortunately, it does not tell us a great deal about his war service. But it does, luckily, say a lot about him personally.
He was 5’ 8½” tall, with light brown hair, blue eyes, and a fresh complexion. His chest measurement was 34½”. He gave his occupation as Grocer’s Manager – so he had obviously completed his apprenticeship.
He enlisted on 28th July 1916 and was discharged on 25th August 1916. In that time he served on the Victory I as an Ordinary Seaman. Under a heading of “If Discharged, whither and for what cause” it says “RNR – Trawler Section”.
The only other reference we have about Albert’s service is a photograph in the Bexhill Observer dated 3rd March 1917 and under the photograph it says – “8.T.R. Cook on H.M. motor launch. Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Chantler, 34 Windsor-road.”