Charles Meredith Bouverie Chapman
Encyclopedia
Charles Meredith Bouverie Chapman, MC
(9 January 1887 - 1 October 1917) was a British
Flying Ace
in World War I
with seven credited victories.
in the East Kent Regiment from January 1913 but was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps
on 1 July 1915. He qualified as a pilot on 31 July 1915 receiving military flying training at Shorham
before being posted to No. 22 Squadron
, Royal Flying Corps
. On 1 April 1916, Chapman as part of this Squadron was sent to France
, based eventually at Bertangles
. However Chapman was transferred to 'B' Flight No. 24 Squadron
, also based at Bertangles, using Airco DH.2
aircraft. Chapman was successful in destroying three enemy aircraft in a short period, commencing on 22 June 1916, for which he was awarded the Military Cross.
On detachment in the UK, Chapman served in a number of Training Units and on 1 November 1916 was promoted to the rank of Captain becoming a flight commander. In this capacity, he returned to France in May 1917 to join No. 29 Squadron
at Le Hameau, flying Nieuport Scouts
. Chapman was credited with all the rest of his victories flying this type of aircraft, like Georg Simon pilot in Manfred von Richthofen
's Jagdstaffel 11.
He died of shrapnel injuries received on 1 October 1917 after a German bombing raid on No 29 Sqn's aerodrome at Poperinghe.
Military Cross
The Military Cross is the third-level military decoration awarded to officers and other ranks of the British Armed Forces; and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth countries....
(9 January 1887 - 1 October 1917) was a British
Great Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
Flying Ace
Flying ace
A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more...
in World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
with seven credited victories.
Involvement in World War 1
Chapman served as a lieutenantLieutenant
A lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer in many nations' armed forces. Typically, the rank of lieutenant in naval usage, while still a junior officer rank, is senior to the army rank...
in the East Kent Regiment from January 1913 but was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps
Royal Flying Corps
The Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...
on 1 July 1915. He qualified as a pilot on 31 July 1915 receiving military flying training at Shorham
Shoreham Airport
- Sussex Police Air Operations Unit :The Sussex Police Air Operations Unit is headquartered at Shoreham Airport. The unit has been equipped since February 2000 with a MD Explorer, registered as "G-SUSX". The unit is headed by a Police Inspector, assisted by a Police Sergeant and two Police...
before being posted to No. 22 Squadron
No. 22 Squadron RAF
No. 22 Squadron of the Royal Air Force operates the Sea King HAR.3 and HAR.3A at three stations in the southern United Kingdom. The squadron was originally formed in 1915 as an aerial reconnaissance unit of the Royal Flying Corps serving on the Western Front during First World War...
, Royal Flying Corps
Royal Flying Corps
The Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...
. On 1 April 1916, Chapman as part of this Squadron was sent to France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, based eventually at Bertangles
Bertangles
Bertangles is a commune in the Somme department in Picardie in northern France.-Geography:Bertangles is situated on the D97 road, just off the N25, north of Amiens...
. However Chapman was transferred to 'B' Flight No. 24 Squadron
No. XXIV Squadron RAF
No. 24 Squadron of the Royal Air Force operates the C-130J Hercules C.4 and C.5 from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.-As a fighter squadron:...
, also based at Bertangles, using Airco DH.2
Airco DH.2
|-DH.2 aces:Distinguished pilots of the DH.2 included Victoria Cross winner Lanoe Hawker , who was the first commander of No 24 Squadron and ace Alan Wilkinson. The commander of No. 32 Squadron, Lionel Rees won the Victoria Cross flying the D.H.2 for single handedly attacking a formation of 10...
aircraft. Chapman was successful in destroying three enemy aircraft in a short period, commencing on 22 June 1916, for which he was awarded the Military Cross.
On detachment in the UK, Chapman served in a number of Training Units and on 1 November 1916 was promoted to the rank of Captain becoming a flight commander. In this capacity, he returned to France in May 1917 to join No. 29 Squadron
No. 29 Squadron RAF
No. 29 Squadron of the Royal Air Force was first raised in 1915, and is one of the world's oldest fighter squadrons. The second British squadron to receive the Eurofighter Typhoon, it is currently the Operational Conversion Unit for the RAF's newest fighter.-Service in World War I:This unit was...
at Le Hameau, flying Nieuport Scouts
Nieuport 17
|-Specifications :-See also:-Bibliography:* Bruce, Jack. "Those Classic Nieuports". Air Enthusiast Quarterly. Number Two, 1976. Bromley, UK:Pilot Press. pp. 137–153....
. Chapman was credited with all the rest of his victories flying this type of aircraft, like Georg Simon pilot in Manfred von Richthofen
Manfred von Richthofen
Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen , also widely known as the Red Baron, was a German fighter pilot with the Imperial German Army Air Service during World War I...
's Jagdstaffel 11.
He died of shrapnel injuries received on 1 October 1917 after a German bombing raid on No 29 Sqn's aerodrome at Poperinghe.