Edward Thomas Chapman
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Edward Thomas Chapman (January 13, 1920- February 3, 2002) (VC, BEM) was a Welsh recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
[edit] Details
He was 25 years old, and a Corporal in the 3rd Battalion, The Monmouthshire Regiment, British Army during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 2 April 1945, near the Dortmund-Ems canal, Germany, Corporal Chapman's section came under heavy machine-gun fire, causing many casualties. He ordered his men to take cover and went forward alone with a Bren gun, mowing down the enemy at point-blank range, forcing them to retire. His section isolated, Corporal Chapman again halted the enemy advances with his Bren gun, at one time firing it over his shoulder, to cover those bringing him ammunition. He then carried in his company commander who was lying wounded, but on the way back the officer was killed and Corporal Chapman wounded.
[edit] Further information
He later achieved the rank of Company Sergeant-Major.
[edit] References
- British VCs of World War 2 (John Laffin, 1997)
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- Tony Williams, Stephen Power, Edwin King, Brandon Smith
