Randal's Story.
Nantwich Guardian 22 June 1917
Lance Corporal Randal Chantler, of the Canadian contingent has been killed in action. He was a native of Northwich and son of the late Mr. Richard Chantler of Paradise Street, for many years one of the bell ringers at Witton Parish Church. When in his teens Lance Corporal Chantler, who was a fine specimen of manhood was employed at Messer’s Brunner Mond and Co’s works at Winnington, after which he joined the Cheshire Constabulary. For some time, he was stationed at Crewe, where his courteous and tactful manner earned for him many friends. Deciding to emigrate, he went to Canada where he joined the Toronto Police Force. In 1915 he enlisted in the Toronto unit of the Canadian Army and soon rose to the rank sergeant. On leaving for over seas he expressed a desire to give up his stripes so that he could enter the trenches with his chums, and he went out as a private but was Lance Corporal at the time he met his death. He was 27 years of age and was single. His sister lived with him at Toronto. His only brother, Thomas is serving with the Lancashire Fusiliers at the front.
The major of the battalion, writing to Miss Chantler, says:
“In reply to your letter of the 27th inst. I regret to inform you that Lance Corporal R Chantler of this battalion under my command was killed in action on May 8th, 1917. The battalion had just arrived in the front-line trenches when the enemy attacked our position, and it was while helping repel them that he was killed. I regret that on account of the severe nature of the fighting the particulars as to his death are very meagre.”
A Toronto paper quotes an officer as saying “he was one of the finest young men we ever had in No. 7.
Randal's service file is available it shows that he enlisted 14th October 1915. he gave his date of birth as 21st December 1889, he was 5ft 10ins with a fair complexion, grey eyes and brown hair. He embarked from Halifax N.S. on the Olymipic 1st May 1916 and arrived in Liverpool on the 6th. As mentioned in the news article he was promoted to acting sergeant 15th June 1916 but reverted back to a private at his own request 5th July 1916. Twelve days later 17th July he landed in France and was posted to the 19th Battalion. he was promoted to Lance Corporal 9th April 1917, and was killed in action a month later.