大象传媒

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Before he died my Grandfather spoke briefly about his time in action during the Second World War; so to preserve his memories and contribution to such a world changing event, I have written down the details I was given.

After finishing his apprenticeship in plumbing at the age of 19, Jack Hubert Chapman joined the army as a volunteer in the Suffolk regiment (25/6/40). He became part of the 6th (H.D) BN regiment, where he stayed until his brother encouraged him to transfer to the Royal Engineers (503 field coy (19/3/42)). With hindsight, it was a good job he moved, as many of the Suffolk鈥檚 were later sent to Singapore where most were captured as POWs and many were killed.

So from 1940 he began his army career, during Dunkirk and the Battle of Britain he was stationed in Ipswich, where he was training, then in January 1943 he sailed to the Middle East. While he was stationed in the Middle East he was called to Africa, as part of reinforcements, where he stayed until March 1944. He recalled sailing to Aidan and along the Suez Canal, then later travelling from North Africa to Italy for the invasion of Salerno. After the invasion he said they had been delayed in their journey home, because the first lot of ships sent to collect them had been sunk, which forced them to wait for replacements.

His time in NW Europe began on the 9/6/44 at Sword beach, three days after the start of Operation Overlord. His record suggested he was with 21st AG during this campaign and although he didn't speak of this, he did talk about his involvement in building bailey bridges, one of which he helped build across the river Maas in Holland (as seen in the attached picture). He also remembered building bridges over the Rhine during his time serving in Germany.

Jack ended his career as a Sapper, stationed in Cologne on VE day where he stayed until he was demobed a year later in 1946 (17/6/46). He recalled travelling from Aldershot to Liverpool Street and then on to Bishop鈥檚 Stortford, where he arrived home just in time for his Sunday roast!

He continued in his trade as a plumber and went on to marry, have three sons and live out a long life, dying in 2005 at the age of 83.

The medals Jack received for his war efforts were:
庐 The France/German Star
庐 The Italy Star
庐 The African Star
庐 The 1935-49 Star
庐 The 1939-45 Victory Medal
庐 The Defence Medal

His service history was as follows:
Suffolk Regiment 25/6/40 - 19/3/42
Royal Engineers 19/3/42 - 29/6/46

Middle East 16/1/43 - 29/8/43
North Africa 30/8/43 - 17/3/44
Home 18/3/44 - 8/6/44
North West Europe 9/6/44 - 29/6/46

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