Sig. George William Chapman, Special Service Bde., Signals

[Photo courtesy of his granddaughter Hayley Walton].

Regiment/Corps: Royal Corps of Signals
Service Number: 14220497
P.O.W. number: 126823
P.O.W. camps: Stalag VII-A (7A), Moosburg Germany / Stalag XI-A (11A), Altengrabow, Germany

Signalman George Chapman, Brigade Signals, was reported missing 25 December 1943, later reported to be a prisoner of war. He was involved in a reconnaissance raid along the coast of Gravelines, France, between Calais and Dunkirk, codenamed Hardtack 11.
Imprisoned initially at Stalag VIIA before being moved to Stalag XIA in April 1944. From there he was placed in Work Camps at Dessau until March 1945 and then Klitschmar. He escaped on several occasions including from Dessau on 16 June 1944 on a German troop train but was recaptured near Aachen after the train was searched. Escaped again from line of forced march away from Klitschmar work camp reaching Halle 12 April 1945 where he was hidden by two two local German girls until about the 18th. Returned to Klitschmar Camp and found about 60 others who had also escaped from the line of march. Helped to organise their exit from the camp reaching allied lines a few days later.
George William Chapman enlisted into the Armed Forces 2 July 1942 later volunteering for the commandos. Civilian trade on enlistment Departmental Manager (Production Factory Fur Trade), and member of the Edmonton Auxiliary Fire Service. Home address in 1939 was 51 Victoria Road, London N18. Member of the Commando Association last residing Arundel, Sussex.

George William Chapman
b. 22.07.1910 London
d. 1990 Sussex.