Frank Chapman was born in St David's, Swansea and worked as a labourer before enlisting with the Welsh Regiment at Cardiff on 29 Sep 1892.
Posted to Malta in 1893, Chapman served in East India from 27 Sep 1894 to 2 Feb 1902 and was imprisoned for 'offering violences' on 7 May 1901 and a further 10 days on 14 Oct 1901 for being 'drunk and striking the Guard'.
Transferred to the 1st Battalion, Welsh Regiment in South Africa on 3 Feb 1902, Chapman returned to England on 20 Aug 1902.