Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War M.M. pair awarded to Private B. W. Chapman, 22nd London Regiment

Military Medal, G.V.R. (680291 Pte. B. W. Chapman. 1/22 Lond: R.); 1914-15 Star (1442 Pte. B. Chapman, 22-Lond. R.) very fine (2) £200-250

M.M. London Gazette 27 July 1917.

The history of 47 London Division records that this award was notified to division on 18 June 1917. It indicates an award after a long stint in the Ypres Salient in the Spring of 1917, culminating in the battle of Messines Ridge. Benjamin William Chapman served in France from 15 March 1915 and would have fought at Loos in September 1915, at Vimy Ridge in early 1916 when his battalion was heavily engaged in a strong German attack on the Ridge, followed by 47 Division’s finest hour - the capture of High Wood on 15 September 1916 after many previous failures. Sold with copied medal index cards which show that he was formerly in the Metropolitan Police, was discharged on 28 February 1919, and entitled to the Silver War Badge.