247008 Capt. Leonard Chapman British Army Royal Fusiliers from:Nottingham My sister and myself found WW2 diaries my father had written and illustrated during his time on Arctic convoys 1941-43 in which time he signed on as a gunner with the Merchant Navy
He died in 1989, but my sister and I applied for the posthumous award of the Arctic Star which we now have in our possession on his behalf
We are also getting his diaries scanned as a book by the National Archives which we hope will serve as a fantastic record of a day in the life of a soldier on the convoys, both as a diary and also reflections and impressions which are very creative and moving. I hope to also take a digital diary when it is finished to the Arctic Convoy Museum at Loch Ewe
We also found evidence after 1943 of his return to the Army, promotion to Captain and his service in India, near Karachi.
We are researching his time in India but know of some stories but not a lot except playing hockey against and Indian Team and winning! The first time a foreign team have ever beaten them!
Also some happy times with the Indian Army who were great allies and enjoyed partying English style, as a relief from the war time battles.
If anyone knows of my father, Captain Len Chapman I will be pleased to hear!
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