A silver, wartime A.F.S. bracelet which belonged to Eric James Chapman of Park Drive, Grimsby.

Eric James Chapman (1903-1978) was a solicitor living at 43 Park Drive, Grimsby. He was the son of Ben Chapman, founder member of solicitors Wilkin & Chapman and Coroner for Caistor District.

Eric James Chapman obviously volunteered for the un-paid Auxiliary Fire Service (A.F.S.) which was formed in 1938 in Great Britain as part of the Civil Defence Service. Its role was to supplement the work of brigades at local level. The Auxiliary Fire Service and the local brigades were superseded in August 1941 by the National Fire Service. This dates the bracelet to between 1938 and 1941.

Eric James Chapman was a WW2 victim in that he was hit by a bullet from a German aircraft whilst walking in People’s Park, Grimsby opposite his home. He was paralysed from the waist down for the rest of his life. This didn’t stop Eric continuing his work as a solicitor. He was also well-known, local film maker.

Eric’s widow, Winifred (nee Brocklesby), died in 2006, aged 98 years.