Eldest son of Richard Godolphin Walmesley (1st Baron Gisborough of Cleveland, in Yorkshire) and Margaret, his wife, of Gisborough Hall, Gisborough, Yorks. Served in the South African Campaign. Born on 29 June 1883 and was educated at Eton. Like his father he was a keen horseman and he joined the 16th Lancers. During the Boer War he served with the 3rd Battalion, The Wiltshire Regiment stationed at St. Helena where Boer prisoners of war were held. September 1914 Chaloner rejoined the 16th Lancers. Two years later, in September 1916, he proceeded to France as a captain, and the commanding officer of the 20th Prisoner of War Company. These companies, which formed a part of the Labour Corps, were formed in mid-1916 with each having around 100 enemy soldiers under their care to utilise as manual labour. ref. South African Roll of Honour 1914-1918.