Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War M.M. awarded to Private H. Chapman, Royal Fusiliers

Military Medal, G.V.R. (281922 Pte. H. Chapman. 4/R. Fus.) light contact marks, very fine £300-400

M.M. London Gazette 30 January 1920:
‘In recognition of gallant conduct and determination displayed in escaping or attempting to escape from captivity.’

Harry (Henry) Chapman was born in Stratford, Essex on 26 November 1888 and attested for the Royal Fusiliers on 17 June 1915. Originally posted to the 4th Battalion, he served during the Great War on the Western Front with the 2nd/4th Battalion London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers) from 24 January 1917 and was a member of ‘B’ Company. He was captured and made a prisoner of war at Fontaine-lès-Croisilles on 20 June 1917 and was taken to Douai where he travelled by truck and train to the German Prisoner of War Camp at Dulmen. In March 1918, he spent time working at Nordeney (an island off the coast near Hanover) and then Soltau before being employed at a farm in Mehringen, where he escaped with a French Sergeant on 17 September 1918. He managed to get all the way home before the end of the war as his P.O.W. report was dated 23 October 1918. He was discharged on 24 January 1919 (additionally entitled to a Silver War Badge).

Sold together with copy of detailed P.O.W. report.