Capt.Hubert Stapleton, 15th(2nd Ports.)Bn Hampshire Regt.

[Old Owl]

Remembering today Captain Hubert Stapleton and all the other officers and men of the 15th Hampshires killed this day in the attack on Flers.

Hubert was the second surviving son of the Rev'd Henry Stapleton by his wife Matilda (nee Merritt) of Bradford. Born in 1881, he was educated at Sedbergh School(1894-1898) and Leeds University(1898-1900). He served during the Boer War with the Yorkshire Dragoons (QSA with 5 clasps and Yorkshire Tribute medal). He farmed in Canada between 1902 and 1908 at North Battleford, Saskatchewan. Returning home, he married Sara Edith Monro on 22/9/09 in London, they had three sons: Miles(1911); Christopher(1914) and Hubert(1917). Sadly 2/Lt Hubert Monro Stapleton, Royal Tank Regiment, was killed during commando training in 1942, age 25, and is buried at Fort William.

On the outbreak of the war Hubert at once enlisted into the Wiltshire Regt. as a private. He was however soon given a commission as T/Lieut in the 11th Reserve Bn Devon Regt., on 12/12/14 and was appointed as a T/Capt to the 15th(2nd Portsmouth)Bn Hampshire Regt., on 12/8/15. He went to France with this battalion on 2/5/16.

From: 'The History of the Hampshire Regiment' :

"Several fresh Divisions were now available, among them the 41st, which was to attack from Delville Wood having on its flanks the 14th Division (right) and the New Zealanders (left). Eighteen of the new secret weapons later known as 'tanks' were to work with it."

"The 122nd Brigade was on the Divisions left with the 15th Hampshires(right)......their objective being Flers Trench just south of Flers. In moving up overnight into its assembly position the battalion had been heavily shelled and before zero hour (6.20 a.m.) it had lost Captain Carrington of 'C' Coy., and two platoon commanders, 2/Lts Baddeley and Parry. While ration parties had suffered heavily on their way up to the line. Advancing at zero behind an excellent barrage, with 7 tanks to help them, the Hampshires were quickly into the German front line Tea Support, which was badly damaged, although its defenders machine-guns on the left had done considerable damage before they were silenced, two more company commanders, Captains Stapleton and Thompson having been killed."

Captain Hubert Stapleton was Mentioned in Despatches, L.G. 4/1/17 page 226.

He is Commemorated by name on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Age 35.

A Brass Plaque to his memory was placed in the Chapel at Sedbergh School.

RIP :poppy:

[Perth Digger]

A bit more information on Stapleton. When he returned from Canada he took up farming: Home Farm, Highworth, Wilts (1911 census).

In his Service Record, CSM Preston (wounded in hospital in Havre) said that he saw Stapleton killed just over the parapet and that Sgt Wilson, A Coy, could confirm it.

For many years a former officer (unknown) placed an In Memoriam notice in The Times for all 15/Hants officers killed on 15 September, naming them all.

Mike

[Merlybobs]

Rest in peace, Sir.