Company Sergeant Major Edward Thomas Chapman VC, BEM
Edward Chapman was awarded his Victoria Cross for his brave actions in the final weeks of World War Two in Europe. By the nature of the attack, an enemy ambush can cause fear and havoc, but the way that Chapman responded to the crisis was quite incredible.
Edward Chapman was born in Pontlottyn, Glamorgan, on January 13, 1920. He was the second of four sons born to Evan Chapman, a miner, and his wife Rachel (née Saunders). Edward, who spoke Welsh, attended the nearby Fochriw School until the age of 14 when he followed his father ‘down the pit’, working at Ogilvie Colliery, New Tredegar.
On April 19, 1940 Chapman, who was usually known as Ted, was enlisted in the Monmouthshire Regiment and assigned to its 2nd Battalion, based in Northern Ireland.
His regiment was part of 160th Brigade of the 53rd (Welsh) Division that had two principal tasks: to protect the province from invasion and to guard civilians against any terrorism from the IRA. In October 1941, the battalion was transferred to Leominster, Herefordshire.
ACCIDENTAL AWOL
While on a visit to Belfast, Chapman had met and, eventually, became engaged to a local girl, Rhoda Watkins. Their wedding was …
