After more than 70 years since they volunteered to fight in the Second World War, brothers Arthur and Wilfred Chapman of The Gap have received official recognition.
The Gap RSL Sub Branch accorded the War Medal 1939-45 and the Australian Service Medal to the Chapman brothers for their service during the war. The brothers enlisted in the military separately. Arthur joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1940 and Wilfred followed suit, enlisting in the army in 1942.
Only Wilfred came back alive from the war. Arthur was shot down in his first assignment in Holland. In 1943, he was declared “killed in action.” Upon his return to the country, Wilfred worked on the family farm.
Medals for Sacrifice
Arthur’s sacrifice was further recognised with the granting of the 1939-45 Start with Clasp, the Defence Medal and the Air Crew Europe Star.
Wilfred’s family received the awards for the brothers. The family expressed joy over the granting of the medals especially since the death of Arthur had an enduring impact on the family. Since Arthur never married and never had children, Wilfred’s family received the medals for him.
The Chapman family sees the ceremony as a good way for the younger generation to appreciate the sacrifices and heroism of the past generation.
Wilfred’s grandchildren intend to wear the medals on the upcoming Anzac Day on April 25.
