Edward Thomas. A Chapman
Corporal, 3rd Battalion The Monmouthshire Regiment
- Register No.
- 202 (Alf's numbering, from The Register of the Victoria Cross, 1997)
- Rank
- Corporal all Corporals →
- Unit
- 3rd Battalion The Monmouthshire Regiment all Monmouthshire Regiment VCs →
- Date of action
- 2 April 1945 on this day → all of 1945 →
- Conflict / campaign
- Second World War
- London Gazette
- 13th July 1945 on this day → all of 1945 →
- Born
- 13th January, 1920 at Pontlottyn, Glamorgan, Wales
- Died
- in February 2002 at Pontypool, Wales
- Memorial / grave
- Chapman House, TA Centre Cwmbran, Monmouthshire
Digest of citation
On 2nd 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 at 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
From Alf Askin's research notes
Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.
CHAPMAN, Edward Thomas. A (reg No. 202).
Corporal. 3rd Battalion The Monmouthshire Regiment.
London Gazetted on 13th July 1945.
Born on 13th January, 1920 at Pontlottyn, Glamorgan, Wales.
Died on in February 2002 at Pontypool, Wales.
Memorial at Chapman House, TA Centre Cwmbran, Monmouthshire.
Digest of Citation reads: On 2nd 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 at 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.
Additional information:. Company Sergeant-Major Chapman also held the British Empire Medal (BEM). He served from 1948-53 and from 1954-57 in the second Battalion of the Monmouthshire Regiment Territorial Army. His death was reported in the Daily Mirror on 6th February, 2002. He had suffered for some years with heart trouble. His daughter, Mrs Janet Morris, told of his unassuming manner, "He was the most modest person you could imagine. One would never know that he was awarded a scout badge, let alone a Victoria Cross." At this time there are only seventeen living holders of the VC.(7th Feb.2002)
Additional information
Company Sergeant-Major Chapman also held the British Empire Medal (BEM). He served from 1948-53 and from 1954-57 in the second Battalion of the Monmouthshire Regiment Territorial Army. His death was reported in the Daily Mirror on 6th February, 2002. He had suffered for some years with heart trouble. His daughter, Mrs Janet Morris, told of his unassuming manner, "He was the most modest person you could imagine. One would never know that he was awarded a scout badge, let alone a Victoria Cross." At this time there are only seventeen living holders of the VC.(7th Feb.2002)
Visit the grave or memorial
Alf recorded the memorial as: Chapman House, TA Centre Cwmbran, Monmouthshire
Map links open a search for the place name Alf recorded; please check opening times and exact locations before travelling. Many VC graves have since been restored by the Victoria Cross Trust.
Research this recipient further
Would you like to honour Edward Thomas. A Chapman by sponsoring this page from £1 a month — in memory of someone, in your own name or for your company? Sponsor this page.