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A podcast taking you back to 1943, a pivotal year in World War Two

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  • ABOUT
  • EPISODES
    • Blighty Thank God -Trailer
    • Episode One: Death In Winter
    • Episode Two: Piled into Hills at Wadi Halfa
    • Episode Three: A New ‘Goolie Chit’
    • Episode Four: The ‘Grisly Bisley’
    • Episode Five: When Jim ‘Got His’
    • Episode Six: BOAC Crashes
    • Episode Seven: Leo and the Gold Smugglers
    • Episode Eight: Dodging Deadly Diseases
    • Episode Nine: A Brief Encounter with VIPs
    • Episode Ten: Secret Missions
    • Episode Eleven: Chemical Bombing at Bari
    • Episode Twelve: Story of the Diary
    • Extra Episode – SEX, SPIES & LIES
  • DIARY
    • Diary in full
    • Diary Notes
  • PHOTOS
  • RESOURCES
    • VIDEO SHORTS
    • TRIVIA
  • INTERVIEWS
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    • BBC Radio Merseyside
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PHOTOS

The Photographs are from my father’s collection. Where possible they have been grouped according to the country where they were taken or where my father was based at the time.

The photos can be downloaded for personal or historic research, but please ask permission via the contact form. Right click to see the full image.

Ron Chapman in Sidcot flying suit outside 35 Napsbury Avenue home London Colney, Hertfordshire.
Ron Chapman in Sidcot flying suit outside 35 Napsbury Avenue home London Colney, Hertfordshire.
UK TRAINING: RAF Cranwell 1941 Ron Chapman Back Row, 6th from right. Far right back row is Jim Eden, killed May 30, 1942.
UK TRAINING: RAF Cranwell 1941 Ron Chapman Back Row, 6th from right. Far right back row is Jim Eden, killed May 30, 1942.
UK TRAINING: B Flight No. 2 Squadron Newquay 1940 - Ron Chapman is 4th from left back row - the white flash on the side cap is for Aircrew trainee.
UK TRAINING: B Flight No. 2 Squadron Newquay 1940 - Ron Chapman is 4th from left back row - the white flash on the side cap is for Aircrew trainee
Tomahawk in flight. I believe this is AN398, which crashed Wadi Halfa, Sudan Dec. 27, 1941. The pilot would be my father. He survived the crash with facial injuries.
Tomahawk in flight. I believe this is AN398, which crashed Wadi Halfa, Sudan Dec. 27, 1941. The pilot would be my father. He survived the crash with facial injuries.
A Belgian Ju 52 somewhere in Africa. The Ju 52 was a German transport aircraft. The airline flew them before the war and continued to fly them during it on African routes.
A Belgian Ju 52 somewhere in Africa. The Ju 52 was a German transport aircraft. The airline flew them before the war and continued to fly them during it on African routes.
UK TRAINING: No 17 E.F.T.S North Luffenham, Course 4 May 1941 Ron Chapman is back row 8th from left - in Sidcot Flying suit. Front row standing 9 from right is Jim Eden, killed May 30, 1942.
UK TRAINING: No 17 E.F.T.S North Luffenham, Course 4 May 1941 Ron Chapman is back row 8th from left - in Sidcot Flying suit. Front row standing 9 from right is Jim Eden, killed May 30, 1942.
BAHREIN: On the road by virgin pool. Ron Chapman is 2nd from left. Probably taken around April, 1943 when he was in Bahrein, between flights to Djinna Island rescuing a Bisley aircraft.
BAHREIN: On the road by virgin pool. Ron Chapman is 2nd from left. Probably taken around April, 1943 when he was in Bahrein, between flights to Djinna Island rescuing a Bisley aircraft.
BAHREIN: On the road by virgin pool. Ron Chapman is 2nd from left. Probably taken around April, 1943 when he was in Bahrein, between flights to Djinna Island rescuing a Bisley aircraft. (image augmented)
BAHREIN: On the road by virgin pool. Ron Chapman is 2nd from left. Probably taken around April, 1943 when he was in Bahrein, between flights to Djinna Island rescuing a Bisley aircraft. (image augmented)
BAHREIN: Near Yehudi silk shop, Bahrein, 1943
BAHREIN: Near Yehudi silk shop, Bahrein, 1943
BAHREIN: Manama, 1943. Street on left of bazaar
BAHREIN: Manama, 1943. Street on left of bazaar
BAHREIN: Flt Sgt Ron Chapman at the silk shop in Manama 1943
BAHREIN: Flt Sgt Ron Chapman at the silk shop in Manama 1943
Ron Chapman on lake - possibly Cairo, Egypt around 1942.
Ron Chapman on lake - possibly Cairo, Egypt around 1942.
Ron Chapman sitting on car(right). Location-date unknown.
Ron Chapman sitting on car(right). Location-date unknown.
Bristol Blenheim Mark IV and group. Location unknown.
Bristol Blenheim Mark IV and group. Location unknown.
Bristol Beaufighter - a beat up fly past. Location and date unknown.
Bristol Beaufighter - a beat up fly past. Location and date unknown.
BAHREIN: Virgin Pool - April 8, 1943. The pool was a popular swimming 'hole' for locals and visitors.
BAHREIN: Virgin Pool - April 8, 1943. The pool was a popular swimming 'hole' for locals and visitors.
'Tiffin' on Djinna Island, off coast of Saudi Arabia April 1943 with downed Bisley aircraft. Ron Chapman is far left of foreground group of RAF airmen. Ron Chapman was with with RAF Communications Flight, Habbaniya, flying out of Bahrein for the recovery mission.
'Tiffin' on Djinna Island, off coast of Saudi Arabia April 1943 with downed Bisley aircraft. Ron Chapman is far left of foreground group of RAF airmen. Ron Chapman was with with RAF Communications Flight, Habbaniya, flying out of Bahrein for the recovery mission.
Ron Chapman, pilot, makes tea for fellow airmen on Djinna Island, off coast of Saudi Arabia April 1943 with downed Bisley aircraft. Ron Chapman was with with RAF Communications Flight, Habbaniya, flying out of Bahrein for the recovery mission.
Ron Chapman, pilot, makes tea for fellow airmen on Djinna Island, off coast of Saudi Arabia April 1943 with downed Bisley aircraft. Ron Chapman was with with RAF Communications Flight, Habbaniya, flying out of Bahrein for the recovery mission.
Coming into land at Bahrein's Muharrak airfield , May 1943.
Coming into land at Bahrein's Muharrak airfield , May 1943.
Ron Chapman, Geordie, Mac and 'Ali' in cap near Virgin Pool, Bahrein May 1943. The virgin Pool was a popular natural swimming pool for visitors and locals.
Ron Chapman, Geordie, Mac and 'Ali' in cap near Virgin Pool, Bahrein May 1943. The virgin Pool was a popular natural swimming pool for visitors and locals.
Ron Chapman on Muharrak (Bahrein) aerodrome, May 1943. He’s wearing a khaki felt tropical slouch hat, with a brass non-commissioned cap badge. The hat was standard military issue from 1942.
Ron Chapman on Muharrak (Bahrein) aerodrome, May 1943. He’s wearing a khaki felt tropical slouch hat, with a brass non-commissioned cap badge. The hat was standard military issue from 1942.
Flt Sgt Ron Chapman in a Bisley gun turret, which added weight to the aircraft without additional engine power. The location is likely Djinna Island off Saudi Arabia, April, 1943. The team repairing and rescuing the aircraft flew out of Bahrein.
Flt Sgt Ron Chapman in a Bisley gun turret, which added weight to the aircraft without additional engine power. The location is likely Djinna Island off Saudi Arabia, April, 1943. The team repairing and rescuing the aircraft flew out of Bahrein.
Enjoying a break on Djinna island off the Saudi Arabian coast April 1943. The team of air craftsmen were flown to the island by Flt Sgt Ron Chapman to repair and rescue the Bisley aircraft in the background. They flew out of Bahrein.
Enjoying a break on Djinna island off the Saudi Arabian coast April 1943. The team of air craftsmen were flown to the island by Flt Sgt Ron Chapman to repair and rescue the Bisley aircraft in the background. They flew out of Bahrein.
Flt Sgt Ron Chapman's pilot's wings.
Flt Sgt Ron Chapman's pilot's wings.
Pilot Ron Chapman, probably just after receiving his pilot's wings aged 21.
Pilot Ron Chapman, probably just after receiving his pilot's wings aged 21.
Palms on golf course - unknown location. Possibly West Africa
Palms on golf course - unknown location. Possibly West Africa
Tel Aviv, Palestine during World War 2.
Tel Aviv, Palestine during World War 2.
Lunch stop over on way from Palestine. Vineyard in background
Lunch stop over on way from Palestine. Vineyard in background
Royal Navy Mediterranean Fleet in Haifa, Palestine during WW2. Probably 1943.
Royal Navy Mediterranean Fleet in Haifa, Palestine during WW2. Probably 1943.
Damascus Gate, Jerusalem WW2 - likely 1943.
Damascus Gate, Jerusalem WW2 - likely 1943.
Tel Aviv beach, Palestine looking towards Jaffa, during WW2.
Tel Aviv beach, Palestine looking towards Jaffa, during WW2.
Allenby St, Tel Aviv likely in the first half of 1943.
Allenby St, Tel Aviv likely in the first half of 1943.
Villagers from settlement near Eshogbo, Nigeria during WW2.
Villagers from settlement near Eshogbo, Nigeria during WW2.
Hurricane taking off at Maiduguri, Nigeria - probably 1942. Maiduguri was one of the airfields that made up the Takoradi-Cairo route, used by the Allies to deliver fighter aircraft in support of the North African campaign.
Hurricane taking off at Maiduguri, Nigeria - probably 1942. Maiduguri was one of the airfields that made up the Takoradi-Cairo route, used by the Allies to deliver fighter aircraft in support of the North African campaign.
Road to town - Eshogbo, Nigeria. Likely 1942.
Road to town - Eshogbo, Nigeria. Likely 1942.
Nigerian women in village around 1942.
Nigerian women in village around 1942.
Masked parade Eshogbo, Nigeria during WW2.
Masked parade Eshogbo, Nigeria during WW2.
Mahma at Kano, Nigeria during WW2
Mahma at Kano, Nigeria during WW2
Mosquito Mark II DZ695. . No. 1 Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit, based in Egypt. This was one of the first Mosquitos sent to the Far Eastern theatre for trial purposes and was issued to No. 27 Squadron RAF at Agartala. The aircraft was written off following an overshot landing at Agartala on 3 May 1943.
Mosquito Mark II DZ695. No. 1 Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit, based in Egypt. This was one of the first Mosquitos sent to the Far Eastern theatre for trial purposes and was issued to No. 27 Squadron RAF at Agartala. The aircraft was written off following an overshot landing at Agartala on 3 May 1943.
'Johny before crash'- posing in front of Bristol Blenheim aircraft. Flt Sgt. John Creighton, 25, was among the 17 airmen who died when a Hudson aircraft crashed at Khartoum, the Sudanese capital, on June 16, 1943. He was a ferry pilot.
'Johny before crash'- posing in front of Bristol Blenheim aircraft. Flt Sgt. John Creighton, 25, was among the 17 airmen who died when a Hudson aircraft crashed at Khartoum, the Sudanese capital, on June 16, 1943. He was a ferry pilot.
Jack Chadwick - colleague of Flt Sgt Ron Chapman.
Jack Chadwick - colleague of Flt Sgt Ron Chapman.
'Jack' and 'Harry' - colleagues of Rn Chapman - taking the sun. Probably West Africa 1942
'Jack' and 'Harry' - colleagues of Rn Chapman - taking the sun. Probably West Africa 1942
Christmas 1943 with 267 Squadron, based at Bari, Italy.
Christmas 1943 with 267 Squadron, based at Bari, Italy.
Flt Sgt Ron Chapman (centre back) enjoying 267 Squadron's Xmas celebrations 1943.
Flt Sgt Ron Chapman (centre back) enjoying 267 Squadron's Xmas celebrations 1943.
Flt Sgt Ron Chapman enjoying the Christmas, celebrations in Bari, Italy 1943. In his hand is a bottle of Canadian ale.
Flt Sgt Ron Chapman enjoying the Christmas, celebrations in Bari, Italy 1943. In his hand is a bottle of Canadian ale.
Billets at RAF Habbinaya complex outside Baghdad, Iraq around 1943.
Billets at RAF Habbinaya complex outside Baghdad, Iraq around 1943.
RAF Habbinaya, Iraq - Ron Chapman is on far right wearing dark glasses.
RAF Habbinaya, Iraq - Ron Chapman is on far right wearing dark glasses.
Postcard of RAF Habbinaya sign, outside Baghdad, Iraq.
Postcard of RAF Habbinaya sign, outside Baghdad, Iraq.
Ron Chapman at RAF Habbinaya Iraq likely1943. Note the wrist strap that denoted rank when wearing shirtsleeves.
Ron Chapman at RAF Habbinaya Iraq likely1943. Note the wrist strap that denoted rank when wearing shirtsleeves.
Ron Chapman (left) and fellow pilot by Vickers Valentia at RAF Habbaniya, Iraq 1943
Ron Chapman (left) and fellow pilot by Vickers Valentia at RAF Habbaniya, Iraq 1943
Ron Chapman (far left)- likely Bahrein in 1943. Note the rank leather wrist strap, worn when in short sleeves.
Ron Chapman (far left)- likely Bahrein in 1943. Note the rank leather wrist strap, worn when in short sleeves.
Takoradi, Ghana looking West. Takoradi was a major logistics hub for the Allies in WW2 in support of the North African campaign.
Takoradi, Ghana looking West. Takoradi was a major logistics hub for the Allies in WW2 in support of the North African campaign.
Takoradi looking Eastwards in the early 1940s
Takoradi looking Eastwards in the early 1940s
Takoradi, Ghana looking East during WW2.
Takoradi, Ghana looking East during WW2.
Over Bungalow 10 Takoradi, Ghana in WW2
Over Bungalow 10 Takoradi, Ghana in WW2
Ron Chapman climbing into the cockpit of a Hurricane Mk IIc. Note the long distance fuel tanks under the wings. photograph probably taken at Takoradi, Ghana early 1942.
Ron Chapman climbing into the cockpit of a Hurricane Mk IIc. Note the long distance fuel tanks under the wings. photograph probably taken at Takoradi, Ghana early 1942.
Airmen's mess Takoradi, Ghana during WW2.
Airmen's mess Takoradi, Ghana during WW2.
Aircraft Delivery Unit officers Vs NCOs Gezira, Cairo Egypt
Aircraft Delivery Unit officers Vs NCOs Gezira, Cairo Egypt
'What a pair' - Ron Chapman and friend Sid at Gezira club pool, Cairo Egypt.
'What a pair' - Ron Chapman and friend Sid at Gezira club pool, Cairo Egypt.
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Friend of Ron Chapman - Sid - emerges from the Gezira Club swimming pool, Cairo Egypt.
Friend of Ron Chapman - Sid - emerges from the Gezira Club swimming pool, Cairo Egypt.
A rowing bint - a type of boat - on the Nile, Cairo during WW2.
A rowing bint - a type of boat - on the Nile, Cairo during WW2.
RAF Band, Empire Day March past 24th May 1942, opposite old Suleiman Pasha statue in central Cairo.
RAF Band, Empire Day March past 24th May 1942, opposite old Suleiman Pasha statue in central Cairo.
Quin and Norwell - colleagues of Ron Chapman at the Gezira Club, Cairo probably around 1942.
Quin and Norwell - colleagues of Ron Chapman at the Gezira Club, Cairo probably around 1942.
Quasr el Nil Bridge, Cairo, near Gezira Island mid River Nile in the centre of the city, probably around 1942.
Quasr el Nil Bridge, Cairo, near Gezira Island mid River Nile in the centre of the city, probably around 1942.
Gezira Club swimming pool Cairo during WW2. The club was popular with British military stationed in the city.
Gezira Club swimming pool Cairo during WW2. The club was popular with British military stationed in the city.
Gezira club swimming pool Cairo during WW2.
Gezira club swimming pool Cairo during WW2.
Gezira Club swimming pool, Cairo during WW2.
Gezira Club swimming pool, Cairo during WW2.
Heliopolis, Egypt during WW2.
Heliopolis, Egypt during WW2.
Giza pyramids from Mena House, Cairo during WW2 (taken from what is now Marriott Mena House Hotel).
Giza pyramids from Mena House, Cairo during WW2 (taken from what is now Marriott Mena House Hotel).
Gezira pool, Cairo. Ron Chapman is in foreground with white trunks on, Cairo. Likely 1942 when Ron was based in Cairo with the Aircraft Delivery Unit.
Gezira pool, Cairo. Ron Chapman is in foreground with white trunks on, Cairo. Likely 1942 when Ron was based in Cairo with the Aircraft Delivery Unit.
Felucca on the Nile, from Delta side probably 1942.
Felucca on the Nile, from Delta side probably 1942.
Felucca on Nile - A small boat propelled by oars or lateen sails or both, used on the Nile. Probably 1942.
Felucca on Nile - A small boat propelled by oars or lateen sails or both, used on the Nile. Probably 1942.
Gezira Club, Cairo
Gezira Club, Cairo
Ron Chapman diving into Gezira pool, Gezira Club Cairo, likely 1942.
Ron Chapman diving into Gezira pool, Gezira Club Cairo, likely 1942.
Ron Chapman and colleague 'Hawkins' (with oars) on the River Nile during WW2.
Ron Chapman and colleague 'Hawkins' (with oars) on the River Nile during WW2.
Cairo street scene during WW2
Cairo street scene during WW2
Cafe and pool Gezira Club Cairo WW2
Cafe and pool Gezira Club Cairo WW2
Colleague of Ron Chapman 'Bruvver Sid' at Gezira club, Cairo likely 1942.
Colleague of Ron Chapman 'Bruvver Sid' at Gezira club, Cairo likely 1942.
Boston aircraft May 1942 Wadi Natrun, Egypt where Ron Chapman was stationed.
Boston aircraft May 1942 Wadi Natrun, Egypt where Ron Chapman was stationed.

LATEST

  • 'Over the Poppy Fields’ a painting by David H.
    FALL REMINDS ME OF THE FALLEN
    by Neil Chapman
    Autumn (Fall) leaves mean Remembrance Day, November 11 in the UK , will soon be upon us. Since launching the ‘Blighty Thank God‘ podcast series 2 years ago it’s been downloaded over 2500 times. It’s an amazing milestone and only thanks to a lot of help. It’s also amazing to think my father’s ‘voice’ – through his diary, on which the podcast is based – is still ‘heard’ after 80 years. It means Ron Chapman, a 23 year old RAF...
  • VE DAY: MORE THAN ONE MISSION
    by Neil Chapman
    On VE Day 1945 I believe Flt Sgt Ron Chapman was on more than one mission. His log book shows he flew a Douglas Dakota Mark III(KG 320) from RAF Broadwell in Oxfordshire making a quick stop at RAF Hartford Bridge, nr. Reading, before continuing on to Germany and then Denmark.
  • NEW YEAR NUMBER BUMP
    by Neil Chapman
    Thanks to historical author Jessie Childs mentioning ‘Blighty Thank God’ during one of the UK’s leading history podcasts there was a holiday season jump in downloads to over 2000.
  • WORLDWIDE INTEREST
    by Neil Chapman
    Without the internet, ‘Blighty Thank God’ couldn’t have happened. When the podcast series was first published in 2023, anyone, anywhere could access it via the web.
  • RON CHAPMAN REMEMBERED IN HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER
    by Geoff Paddock
    The Northern Echo newspaper featured the diaries of Ron Chapman in a feature article for its "Echo Memories" column by Chris Lloyd this week, part of Remembrance Day coverage.
  • REMEMBRANCE MEMORIES
    by Malcolm Parker
    A dear friend kindly wrote about his memories of Ron from our school days, as well as his thoughts on Remembrance Day.
  • SEX, SPIES & LIES
    by Neil Chapman
    What a joy when award-winning historical author Jessie Childs (pictured) contacted me via this website. She found ‘Blighty Thank God’, published one year ago,  when delving into the fascinating life of her diplomat grandfather, Stephen Childs.
  • Ron Chapman on lake - possibly Cairo, Egypt around 1942.
    D-DAY AT LAST
    by Neil Chapman
    80 years ago, on June 6, 1944, Flt Sgt Ron Chapman was 5,000+km from the Normandy D-Day landings. Stationed in Egypt, he was probably ‘cheesed off’.  
  • ENSA TRIBUTE
    by Neil Chapman
    In my father’s war diary, ENSA - the Entertainments National Service Association - features regularly.
  • PAYING THE PRICE FOR FLYING THE ‘GRISLY BISLEY’
    by Neil Chapman
    One ‘Blighty Thank God’ episode highlights the Bristol Blenheim V plane - or as pilots dubbed it - the ‘Grisly Bisley’. Through research into my late father’s (Flt/Sgt. Ron Chapman) 1943 war diary I learned how it earned its macabre reputation.
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