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Auction: 26001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 154

(x) The well-documented campaign group of three awarded to Serjeant W. J. Chapman, 9 Parachute Squadron, Royal Engineers, late Home Guard, who saw Home Guard service during the Second World War and later landed with the 16th Parachute Brigade during the Suez Crisis

Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 2 clasps, Canal Zone, Cyprus (14472116 Sgt W J Chapman RE), the second clasp loose on riband, mounted for wear, sold together with the recipient's service and pay books, a copied set including the recipient's unofficial medals and a corresponding miniature set, good very fine (Lot)

Wallace John Chapman was born in 1927 and enlisted in the Gloucester Home Guard in 1943 at the age of 16. Signing up for the General Service Corps in August 1945 after reaching his majority he missed action in the Second World War by a matter of months. He was appointed Lance Corporal in January 1946.

Completing his training in February 1946 Chapman was rated a Pioneer and advanced Corporal the following year in February 1947, further qualifying as a training instructor in April of that year. Undertaking further courses he qualified as an Engine Fitter in July 1948 and Fitter (I.C. and P.) R.E. in June 1949 before taking his parachute training.

Earning his parachute badge with wings in November 1949 Chapman was posted to the 9th Independent Airborne Squadron R.E. Promoted Acting Sergeant in March 1951 it was in this role that he was to serve during the Suez Crisis.

Posted to Cyprus in June 1951 with the 16th Parachute Brigade 9th Parachute Squadron was earmarked to deploy against El Gamil Airfield, Suez Canal Zone with 3 Para. One troop- 3 Troop- dropped with them whilst the rest arrived later to provide support and logistics as well as fortifying the important strategic location. They were to remain in the Middle East long after the crisis ended although Chapman's certificate of service places him back in Britain on 20 December.

Completing a Field Engineer course of instruction in April 1952 Chapman was rated as a Field Engineer and further promoted Sub-Sergeant in April 1952. He returned to the Middle East Land Forces on 25 May 1952, likely joining 9 Parachute Squadron which was still stationed in the Middle East until the following year.

Returning home in January 1953 he transferred to the Reserve on 10 February 1953 and was discharged entirely in August 1957 having served for a total of 12 years; 7 years 131 days in Colours and 4 years 234 days in Reserve.

Sold together with an archive of original material comprising:

i)
Original Certificate of Service.

ii)
Original Soldiers Service and Pay Book.

iii)
Original paperwork and examination certificates.

iv)
Two original paper Passport issued in October 1956 and states: Transit through Bahrain 23 Jan 1958 en route to Australia (for and on behalf of Govt of Bahrain); Transit through Bahrain 16 Mar 1958 en route to Rangoon, Burma (for and on behalf of Govt of Bahrain).

v)
Two Maroon Parachute berets (one with K/C R.E. Badge and one with R.E. and Para Badge attached).

vi)
Miniature Medals corresponding to the recipient's original set, comprising Defence and War Medal 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Canal Zone; unofficial, Suez Canal Zone Medal; National Service Medal.

vii)
One K/C R.E. Cap Badge, Two R.E. shoulder titles and Six Tunic buttons.

viii)
Two Freemason medals.

ix)
9 PARA SQN R.E. commemorative plush bear.

x)
The recipient's copy medals, believed to be a wearing set comprising:

Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Canal Zone (14472116 Sgt W J Chapman. 9 Para. R.E. Sqdn.) copy; 150 Anniversary of the Cadet Forces Medal, 1 clasp, 1940-46 (14472116 Sgt W J Chapman. 9 Para. R.E. Sqdn.); National Service Medal, 3 clasps, Cyprus, 1944-57, Royal Engineers; Suez Canal Zone Medal, 2 clasps, 1945-1953, Airbone Forces (14472116 Sgt W J Chapman. 9 Para. R.E. Sqdn.); Allied Special Forces Medal, 1 clasp, Canal Zone (14472116 Sgt W J Chapman. 9 Para. R.E. Sqdn.), mounted for wear, good very fine overall (7).

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Estimate
£700 to £900

Starting price
£550