Family of war legend pay tribute to his sacrifice
Australia is just days away from remembering the landing of our brave soldiers at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915.
Who was the first to step ashore at Anzac Cove?
“Our great-great-great-uncle,” Chloe and Jack Western of Waggrakine answer.
Records from noted World War I historian Charles Bean confirm Lieutenant Duncan Chapman, of Maryborough, Queensland, had the honour of being Australia’s first Digger off the boats.
Here are tributes penned by Chloe and Jack:
My great, great, great uncle, Major Duncan Chapman, was the first Anzac to set foot on the shore of Gallipoli. I am very proud of him and I feel for him each Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, especially this year due to it being the Anzac centenary.
He survived the terrifying battle at Gallipoli but a year later he died in France, in 1916. I always feel sad when I remember how he died.
Duncan was leading his troops through a hand-dug trench which ended close to the German front lines and died when a mortar shell landed in the trench.
My brother and I think Duncan would have felt very scared and tired and would have had to be very brave to lead his troops through war.
Duncan was promoted two times to captain and then to major.
I am very lucky to live in such a safe place as Australia. Duncan volunteered his life to protect our country and I am so happy that he and thousands of men and women protected our land and freedom.
He is my hero and I will always remember him.
Chloe Western, age 10.
Did you know my great, great, great uncle was the first to set foot on Gallipoli? He had survived Gallipoli and died leading his troops through a trench in France a year later, in 1916.
I think he felt tired and pretty brave to lead his troops in war. On Anzac Day we wake up early to go to an Anzac Dawn Service to respect the people who went to war.
Jack Western, age 8.
Lt (later Maj, 45th Battalion) Duncan Chapman (circled) with officers of the 9th Battalion aboard HMAT Omrah (A5). Picture: Australian War Memorial
ROLL OF HONOUR
Duncan Chapman
C02496
Rank: Major
Unit: 45th Australian Infantry Battalion
Service: Australian Army
Conflict: First World War, 1914-1918
Date of death: August 6, 1916
Place of death: France
Cause of death: Killed in action
Place of association: Maryborough, Queensland
Cemetery or memorial details: Pozieres British Cemetery Ovillers-La Boisselle, Pozieres, Picardie, France
Source: AWM145 Roll of Honour cards, 1914-18 War, Army
