Beschreibung:

A scarce and well-documented Great War R.N.A.S. Observer’s 1917 D.S.C. and 1918 Second Award Bar group of eight awarded to Wing Commander C. Chapman, Royal Naval Air Service and Royal Air Force, for his skill and gallantry in flying photographic reconnaissance missions behind enemy lines, combined with spotting for Monitors and Naval Siege Guns on successful shoots over the Belgian coast. Based at Dunkirk and operating in Sopwiths with 2 Squadron, Chapman was regularly subjected to frostbite as well as hostile fire from anti-aircraft and enemy aircraft during his isolated missions. He was awarded the Bar to his D.S.C. for flying lead spotter for the bombardment of Ostend, 21 March 1918. After the war Chapman retrained as a Pilot and saw service in Bristol F.2b’s with 6 Squadron in Iraq, and with 14 Squadron in Palestine. He served as Deputy Chief Royal Air Force Advisor to the Chief Press Censor during the Second World War. Distinguished Service Cross, G.V.R. (hallmarks for London 1917), with Second Award Bar, reverse of cross additionally engraved ‘Lieut. C. Chapman. R.N.A.S. Dec. 12th 1917’; British War Medal 1914-20 (Capt. C. Chapman. R.A.F.); Mercantile Marine War Medal 1914-18 (Cyril Chapman); Victory Medal 1914-19 (Capt. C. Chapman. R.A.F.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Jubilee 1935; Iraq, Active Service Medal, no clasp, Second War medals loose as issued, remainder mounted as worn, light contact marks overall, nearly very fine or better (8) £4,000-£5,000 Footnote D.S.C. London Gazette 19 December 1917: ‘In recognition of the great gallantry and skill displayed by him on the 18th October 1917, when he carried out a photographic reconnaissance in spite of adverse conditions and intense cold, as a result of which he was severely frostbitten. He has repeatedly carried out valuable photographic reconnaissance at long distances behind the enemy lines under very heavy and extremely accurate anti-aircraft fire and despite the tactics of enemy aircraft.’ The recommendation states: ‘With reference to the attached report of operations by No. 2, Squadron, I beg to call your attention to the performance of Observer Lieutenant C. Chapman, who in spite adverse conditions and intense cold, as a result of which he was severely frostbitten, carried out the duties allocated to him. For a period of 8 months he has repeatedly carried out valuable photographic reconnaissance at long distances behind the enemy lines under very heavy and extremely accurate anti-aircraft fire and despite the tactics of enemy aircraft. He has also carried out successful spotting with the Monitors and Naval Siege Guns. In connection with the work carried out by this Squadron it is desired to emphasise the fact that the nervous strain of proceeding such long distances over the lines unaccompanied or accompanied by only one machine is very great. So much so that pilots and observers unable to stand the strain in the past have asked to transfer to other 2 or 4 seater squadrons. This Officer is strongly recommended for a D.S.C. or other decoration.’ D.S.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 26 April 1918: ‘In recognition of his services on the 21st March 1918 when he carried out successful spotting for the bombardment of Ostend. On other occasions he has carried out valuable reconnaissance for the Fleet.’ Cyril Chapman was born in October 1893, and was a native of Little Wakering, Essex. Prior to the Great War he served as a Private with the 10th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment. Chapman was commissioned Sub-Lieutenant, for Observer’s duties, in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, 30 June 1916. He carried out initial training at Crystal Palace, Signal School Portsmouth and at Eastchurch before being posted to R.N.A.S. Dover at the start of 1917. He flew operationally with 2 Squadron (Sopwiths), R.N.A.S. at Dunkirk from February 1917. The Squadron were primarily engaged on Spotting and photo reconnaissance of Nieuport, Zeebrugge and Ostend. Chapman was appointed Observer