Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War 1943 ‘Middle East’ D.F.M. group of four awarded to Pilot Officer L. W. Chapman, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, for his gallantry and initiative as a Bisley Pilot in attacking and sinking the German submarine U-533 in the Gulf of Oman on 16 October 1943. He was subsequently killed in a flying accident on 31 July 1944

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1336721. Sgt. L. W. Chapman. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with named Air Council enclosure, in card box of issue, the address label partially defaced but still reading ‘Bournemouth, Hants.’, extremely fine (4) £1,600-£2,000

D.F.M. London Gazette 14 January 1944:
‘In October 1943 this airman was the pilot of an aircraft which successfully attacked a U-boat during a patrol. His effort, brilliant in its execution, was worthy of great praise.’

The original recommendation, dated 26 October 1943, states: ‘On 16 October 1943 this N.C.O. Pilot was on patrol in the Gulf of Oman when he sighted a submarine on the surface. He carried out a brilliant attack which resulted in the damaging and possible sinking of the U-boat. Confirmation is awaited. Although Sergeant Chapman has only been in 244 Squadron for a period of two months and is new to the job, he showed great initiative and clear headedness in a situation that could have been ruined by the slightest error or delay. It is recommended that he be considered for the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal for his behaviour on this occasion.’

Covering Remarks of Air Officer Commanding: ‘The Admiralty have now confirmed this sinking as probable. Strongly recommend immediate award of D.F.M.’

Lewis William Chapman was born in Peterborough in 1922 and was educated at Deacon’s School Peterborough. He enlisted into the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1941, and was posted to No. 244 Squadron, part of No. 215 Group Royal Air Force operating in Iraq and Persia. On 16 October 1943, whilst operating out of R.A.F. Masirah, Oman, as a Bisley Pilot he spotted, attacked, and sank the German submarine U-533, under the command of Kapitanleutnant Helmut Henning, northwest of Muscat in the Gulf of Oman, for which he was awarded an immediate Distinguished Flying Medal. Of the U-boat’s crew of 54 only one rating, Seaman Gunther Schmidt, survived, who was subsequently taken prisoner of war. After being interrogated, Schmidt was later entertained in No. 244 Squadron’s Sergeants’ Mess.

Commissioned Pilot Officer on 20 June 1944, Chapman was killed in action when a Dakota of No. 44 Squadron, South African Air Force, in which he was passenger, crashed into the cliffs west of Resuit whilst attempting to land at Salalah, Aden, on 31 July 1944, with the loss of all 32 on board. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt.

Sold with a portrait photograph of the recipient and various copied research.