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Edward Thomas Chapman

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Edward Thomas Chapman Famous memorial Veteran

Birth
Pontlottyn, Caerphilly, Wales
Death
3 Feb 2002 (aged 82)
New Inn, Torfaen, Wales
Burial
Pontypool, Torfaen, Wales Add to Map
Memorial ID
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World War II Victoria Cross Medal Recipient. Born in Pontlottyn, Glamorgan, he served as a Corporal in the 3rd Battalion, Monmouthshire Regiment. On April 2, 1945, Corporal Chapman's company was ordered to assault the enemy ridge at Teutoberger Wald, Germany. Corporal Chapman was advancing with his section in single file along a narrow track when the Germans suddenly opened fire with machine guns inflicting heavy casualties. He had his men take cover and as the enemy attacked, he rose with his Bren gun to halt their advance. A party of Germans made every effort to eliminate him with grenades, but he reloaded his weapon, closed with them and once again drove the enemy back. Satisfied that his section was now secure, he went out alone under fire, carried a wounded comrade for 50 yards to comparative safety and was wounded. In spite of his wound, he refused to be evacuated, went back to his company and held until the position was fully restored two hours later. For outstanding gallantry, he was invested the Victoria Cross Medal by King George VI at Buckingham Palace on the July 21, 1945 and later achieved the rank of Sergeant Major.
World War II Victoria Cross Medal Recipient. Born in Pontlottyn, Glamorgan, he served as a Corporal in the 3rd Battalion, Monmouthshire Regiment. On April 2, 1945, Corporal Chapman's company was ordered to assault the enemy ridge at Teutoberger Wald, Germany. Corporal Chapman was advancing with his section in single file along a narrow track when the Germans suddenly opened fire with machine guns inflicting heavy casualties. He had his men take cover and as the enemy attacked, he rose with his Bren gun to halt their advance. A party of Germans made every effort to eliminate him with grenades, but he reloaded his weapon, closed with them and once again drove the enemy back. Satisfied that his section was now secure, he went out alone under fire, carried a wounded comrade for 50 yards to comparative safety and was wounded. In spite of his wound, he refused to be evacuated, went back to his company and held until the position was fully restored two hours later. For outstanding gallantry, he was invested the Victoria Cross Medal by King George VI at Buckingham Palace on the July 21, 1945 and later achieved the rank of Sergeant Major.

Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith



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  • Maintained by: Find a Grave
  • Added: Aug 9, 2003
  • Find a Grave Memorial ID:
  • Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/7747343/edward_thomas-chapman: accessed ), memorial page for Edward Thomas Chapman (13 Jan 1920–3 Feb 2002), Find a Grave Memorial ID 7747343, citing Panteg Cemetery, Pontypool, Torfaen, Wales; Maintained by Find a Grave.