TOPIC:

Bugler Alfred Homerton Chantler, formerly of 21, Gowlett-road, East Dulwich, and who was officially reported as "killed" at the battle of Graspan in the early stages of the Boer war, turned up at Peckham on Monday, where he is now in search of his parents, who have left the old address. At Graspan, Chantler, who is now 22 years of age, received a bullet through the shoulder and two in his ankle. He was captured in his wounded condition by the Boers, and sent to Watervaal. As soon as he recovered, however, he made his escape, and after wandering aimlessly about the veldt fell in with Captain Lambton, of H.M.S. Powerful. His subsequent career was particularly stirring. Although still officially dead he was twice recommended for the V.C. by Captain Howard and Lieutenant Beauchamp of the Worcester Regiment, having saved the latter's life at the risk of his own under heavy fire. After various other vicissitudes he was laid up some twelve months ago with enteric and dysentery for over nine months, and on his recovery he was sent home, and on arrival discharged owing to his bad ankle, being unfit for further service. With the exception of his train fare to Waterloo Station he only received one day's pay on discharge - 1s 8½d. There is, however, a sum of £155 12s 2d back pay due to him, dating during the time he has been "dead"; but on inquiry at the War Office he was informed that he would not receive it until his parents can be found to identify him as Bugler Chantler.
The Pembrokeshire Herald and General Advertiser, 19th September 1902 [The above article was syndicated and appeared in various newspapers - in all the reports his surname appears as Chantler.]

I've looked through the published list of Graspan casualties and can't see him, or any name faintly resembling Alfred Homerton Chantler; there were 7 men listed as missing and he's not one of them, not under Chantler or Chandler
newspapers.library.wales/view/3744401/3744406/68/

Could he have been 1325 Private A. H. Chandler, 1st Welsh Regiment, recorded as having died of disease at Watervalonder on 11th February 1901. Or someone pretending to be the deceased A. H. Chandler?

Distinctly fishy.

Certainly no one of that name in the Graspan casualty lists. The Welsh Rgt were not at Graspan.

Cpt Lambton RN commanded the Naval Brigade at Ladysmith, after which he returned to the UK. Not sure where this character would have "fell in" with Lambton.

There was an Alfred J. Chandler, born in Peckham in approximately 1881, according to the 1891 census. But I agree, it just doesn't feel right that this was genuine. Someone looking for a few free drinks as a returning hero, perhaps.