Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Lance CHAPMAN SX6896

‘Loved in Life, honoured in death’

Born on the 12th May 1917 in the coastal town of Moonta, part of the ‘Copper Triangle’ of Yorke Peninsula, Lance was part of a large family of eleven children. He had two older sisters, Phyllis and Joyce and younger Betty as well as seven brothers, Desmond, Max, Raymond, Rex, Brian, Murray and Dean. His parents were Lionel Maurice and Mabel Chapman.

As a child, Lance was a talented horseman who regularly competed successfully in the Kadina Show. In 1931 he was second in the Pony Jumping and flag racing, then in ’34 his horse, Tommy won the maiden jump category. Lance was also an active and respected member of the Maitland Hunt Club. His love of horses and also his willingness to serve, was evident when he also joined the 9/23rd Light Horse just prior to his 19th birthday in February ’36 as 87887. (His records indicate that he gave his birth date as 1916 and age as 19 years and 8 ½ months.)

Post school Lance was employed as a farm hand by J. T. Chapman & Sons, and when not working or horse riding, enjoyed riding his motor bike, until he was fined in the local courts ‘10/- with 10/- costs for having driven a motor cycle which made unnecessary noise.’ A comparatively hefty sum for those times.

Aged 23, Lance was the first in his family to enlist on the 20th June, 1940 to become SX6896 and assigned to the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. Good friend Allen Harris, also from Moonta, enlisted soon after, being allocated SX7330 in the same Battalion. Over the next eleven months, three of his brothers also enlisted with each serving in the 27th Infantry Battalion.  Raymond SX10196 enlisted in August ’40, Maxwell Maurice SX12357 in April ’41 and Desmond, SX12689 enlisted in May 41. All survived the war.

Lance’s initial days were spent in the cold of the Pavilions, now part of the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds before he and other new enlistees headed to Woodside for their preliminary training. Pre-embarkation leave gave Lance time to return to Moonta for time with his family and community. As a number of other locals had also enlisted, his Yorke Valley Hunt Club decided to go into recess but had a final run over the Maitland Course in August. The Mail reported that a final meet was organised ‘as a compliment to five of the club's members — Gerald Honner, Bob Harris, Ralph Kelly, Cliff Peterson, and Lance Chapman — who are in camp with the Second A.I.F., and were home on leave for the weekend.’ 

Returning to the 2/48th the Battalion contingent then embarked on the Stratheden for the Middle East, on the 7th November 1940, arriving on the 19th December 1940 where his Battalion completing a few months training in Cyrenaica.  From there, Lance was soon on his way to serve in Tobruk, Syria and Egypt. By the start of April 1941, the 2/48th were in Tobruk where the dust, flies, heat, minimal water supplies and constant bombardment were quite a challenge to new enlistees. They were to become the famed Rats of Tobruk.

Murray Farquhar, in an early book titled ‘Derrick V.C.’ recorded that the 2/48th was comprised of men from all over the state. ‘Diver mated up with Jack Brice from Broken Hill, Lance Chapman from Moonta, Ike Rodda from Kadina and Tom Hill from the city. The first mentioned two would fall in Tobruk and El Alamein respectively, the others would be wounded.’

Conditions were ever-changing and the fighting continuous. Within five months of landing, Lance was wounded in action with a gunshot wound to his right arm, requiring hospitalisation initially in the Australian hospital before being evacuated to a New Zealand recovery group.  News of the wounding filtered through for families back home with the list appearing in the Chronicle of May ’41. Others from his Battalion who were also wounded included Privates Arthur Groecke SX7291 from Koongana, Dudley Haupt SX7682 from Renmark (both of whom survived the war) and Herbert Neuman SX8014 from Aldgate who was later confirmed as having been killed in action on May 1st.

By September that year  Lance contracted tonsilitis, requiring a few days of hospitalisation, before the infection reoccurred, delaying his return to the Battalion. In March ‘42, Lance must have ruffled a few feathers as he was docked a fortnight’s pay for ‘conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline.’

On 10th July, ’42, Mark Johnston in his recent book ‘Derrick VC, in his own words’ wrote of the attempt to take Tel el Eisa and the role played by Lance. ‘Ptes Fennell and Chapman, who had taken cover in a very weak-looking sanger done a splendid job with the Bren, supporting our move around their right flank and they were right on the target.’ This then contrasted with Derrick’s diary entry on the 14th September, ’42: ‘Field formations etc and the boys are not taking it too kindly. Coy held a 2-mile cross country run, military boots & rifle plus anything else – our pl first by ¼ minute. Mine was best individual time 17 ½ mins, next best Harold Gass, Bart Lindsay & Lance Chapman all 18 ½ mins.’ The Khamseen Kronicle used more than a little journalistic licence to report that ‘in glorious weather all assembled to see Dark Derrick flash past the post in the Shillaker Scramble over a distance of two miles. Dark Derrick finished the course in less than 20 minutes, lengths ahead of Gasping Gass, Loping Lindsay and Choking Chapman.’

Aged 25, Lance was killed in action on the 31st October, 1942. In his book ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’ John Glenn describes that time “which was to be the most bitter and bloody fighting of the war. When next the sun drove away those shadows from the desert, death would have reaped a rich harvest of gallant men. And of the 2/48th Battalion only forty-one weary troops would remain in the field.” He continued: “At zero hour, 1 a.m. 31st October, the artillery opened up with a receding barrage – one that creeps back on itself. The attack was towards the guns themselves, the enemy being between the troops and the guns… Added to this, the troops came under heavy shell fire as they were forming up, and suffered casualties before they commenced their attack… One gun was landing shells right amongst the men. As soon as the main road was reached the two leading companies came under murderous fire, and from then until they reached their objective, 2,250 yards from the start line, the whole advance was fought in fierce hand-to-hand fighting.” His final summing up was ‘Truly it can be said of these men, “They fought themselves and their enemy to a standstill until flesh and blood could stand no more, then they went on fighting.” In added high praise about those who tended the wounded and collected those killed in action “It says much for them that not one man was missing in their search over the four thousand yards from Trig 29 to the Blockhouse, or in the attack of 3,600 yards to Ring Contour 25.” An horrific battle for the proud and very brave 2/48th Battalion.

Lance was initially buried in the field on the 4th November. A fellow soldier, Private Harry Pietsch, SX11754 identified him. Almost a month later back home, his death was officially reported in the Chronicle in December included a list of the other men, predominantly from the 2/48th Battalion, killed in action with him. They included SX7832 Pte. Max C. Boase, 2/48th Millicent; SX6896 Pte. Lance Chapman, 2/48th North Moonta; SX5226 Pte. Charlie L. K. Cock, 2/43rd Solomontown; SX7260 Sgt. Charles Fraser, 2/48th Norwood; SX10466 Pte. E. L Freeman, 2/43rd, Calca; SX8651 Sgt. Lindsay R. Goode, 2/48th Malvern; SX13580 Pte. Ronald A. Grist. Inf., Port Noarlunga; SX8587 Pte. George W. Haywood, 2/48th Mount Compass: SX7249 Cpl. J. Hinson, 2/43rd, Plympton: SX310 Sgt. Alfred W G. Miller, 2/48th  Ponde; SX9488 Pte. Eric L. Montgomerie, 2/48th, Edwardstown; SX7375 Sgt Charles E. Plummer, 2/48th College Park; SX7176 A-Cpl. William C. Quinn, 2/48th Bordertown; SX8113 Pte. Michael N. Riley, 2/48th Burnside; SX7298 Cpl. Harold Sandercock, 2/48th Maitland; SX7732 Ste. Clem H. Schulz, 2/48th Yorketown; SX12924 Pte. Richard Speck, 48th  Blanchetown; SX849J Pte. Arthur G. Wilson, 2/48th Glanville. Some of South Australia’s finest young men, all sadly grieved, so many families’ lives changed forever.

The Advertiser carried the personal tribute: ‘Mr. and Mrs. Lionel Chapman, of North Moonta, have been notified that their eldest son, Pte. Lance Chapman, 25. was killed on active service in the Egyptian campaign on October 31. Pte. Chapman was wounded in May, 1941 at Tobruk. He was formerly well known in the show ring, and a member of the Maitland Hunt Club. Three of his brothers (Max, Ray and Desmond) are serving with the AIF. Before enlisting, Pte. Chapman was employed on the farm of J. T. Chapman & Sons.’ 

Initially Lance was reburied in January ’44, then in March ’45 in his final resting place at the El Alamein War Cemetery, Plot A2 Row C, Grave 15. His parents chose the inscription ‘Loved in Life, honoured in death’. He is surrounded by others from his 2/48th Battalion, Privates Ronald Grist SX13580, Andrew Warner WX14061, William Ridley WX9913, Frank Cornelius WX9930, L/Cpl Ronald Templeton WX9832, Cpl Paul Cashen SX7000, Privates Edward Edwards SX12876, John Cox SX10362 and Thomas Holmes SX9330, Vincent McGahan SX6775 all of whom were killed on the 31st October ’42.

His father, Lionel, survived to see his other sons return home and enjoy peace. He died, aged 64 in November ’56. Lance’s mother, Mabel lived to be 90 and died on the 24th August, 1986. Both parents are buried in the Moonta Cemetery where there is also a headstone commemorating Private Lance Chapman.

Family, friends and fellow soldiers continued to remember Lance in the ensuing years.

Advertiser Saturday 28 November 1942, CHAPMAN, Lance. —Killed In action In Egypt, on October 31, dearly loved brother of Joyce and George Hatcher, and uncle of Melville and lan. One of the best. CHAPMAN. —In loving memory of Lance, killed in action on Oct. 31. dearly loved brother of Phyl. Sadly missed. 

Advertiser Saturday 30 October 1943, CHAPMAN. —In loving memory of our brother Lance, who made the supreme sacrifice El Alamein. October 31. —Ever remembered Joyce, George, and loved uncle of Mel, lan, Kay Chapman – In loving memory of Lance, who gave his life at El Alamein, October 31. Inserted by his brothers, Des, Max, Ray (AIF) New Guinea. CHAPMAN In sad and loving memory of our dear cousin Lance, who died October 31 at El Alamein. Sadly missed by Len, Melba. CHAPMAN – In loving memory of Lance, killed in action at El Alamein October 31, 1942. Beautiful memories will always remain. Always remembered by Lloyd, Vene and children. CHAPMAN – In fond remembrance of Lance, killed at El Alamein 31 October. Not just today but every day in silence we remember. No words can do him full honour. Inserted by Tom Bowden and family Moonta. CHAPMAN – In loving memory of Lance who gave his life at El Alamein, October 31st 1942. Deep in my heart a memory is kept. Inserted by his grandma Knight, Moonta. CHAPMAN – In loving memory of Lance who gave his life at El Alamein, October 31 1942. Ever remembered by his aunty, uncle Flo, Gus. CHAPMAN – In memory of Lance (AIF) killed in action El Alamein Oct 31 1942. He sleeps in a soldier’s grave. Inserted by his aunty Jess, uncle Art, Ron, Mon, Max (AMF) Hemple Broken Hill.

Advertiser Tuesday 31 October 1944, CHAPMAN. —In loving memory of our dear son Lance, killed in action at El Alamein Oct. 31. 1942. There's a face that is always with us. there's a voice we would love to hear: there's a smile we always remembered, of a son so dear. —inserted by his loving father and mother. CHAPMAN. —In loving memory of our dear brother Lance, killed Oct. 31. 1942. Twas out upon the battlefield, God walked among His flowers; He picked the sweetest one of all that loving brother of ours. — Inserted by his three soldier brothers. – Des, Max and Ray. CHAPMAN. —In loving memory of our dear brother Lance. He wore no shining medals, nor signed his name V.C.; he died a true Australian, to keep his country free. —Inserted by his young brothers and sister, Rex. Brian, Murray, Dean, and Betty. CHAPMAN. —In loving memory of my dear brother Lance, killed Oct. 31. 1942. ' A leaf in our book of memory is gently turned today. Loved and remembered always. —inserted by his loving sister Phill, brother-in-law Jack (AIF.). niece Judith. CHAPMAN. —In memory of Lance, killed In action at El Alamein, October 31, 1942. Evening stars are shining, on a grave so far away, where they laid my brother two years ago today. —Ever remembered by Joyce, George, and family. CHAPMAN, —In loving memory of Lance, who gave his life at El Alamein, October 31. 1942.—Ever remembered by his brothers, Des, Max, Ray (AIF) New Guinea). CHAPMAN. —In loving memory of dear Lance, killed at El Alamein. October 31. 1: 1942. Not a day do we forget you, dear Lance. —Ever remembered by your loving sister Betty. CHAPMAN. —In loving memory of Lance, killed in action. El Alamein. Oct. 31. 1942. Lest we forget. —Auntie Ada, Uncle Edgar and family. CHAPMAN In memory of my pal Lance, killed in action. El Alamein, October 31. 1942. Years roll on. but memories stay. —Ever remembered by Allen Harris, 2/48th Battalion.

Advertiser Wednesday 31 October 1945, CHAPMAN. —In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Lance, killed October 31. 1942. A distant grave, a touching thing. Where loving hands no flowers can bring; But God alone, in His great care. Will guard our dear one resting there. —Remembered by his mother, father, brothers and sisters. CHAPMAN, —In loving memory of Lance, killed in action at El Alamein Oct. 31. 1942. Resting where no shadows fall Always remembered by Lloyd, Vene and children. CHAPMAN. —In loving memory of our dear brother Lance, killed at El Alamein Oct 31 1942. Just a token true and tender, To show dear brother, we still remember. —Remembered by his brother Max (Makarra) Dean (Borneo), and Ray (Morotai). CHAPMAN. —In loving memory of my dear brother Lance, who paid the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein Oct. 31. 1942. A pal and a soldier. —Ever remembered by his sister Joyce and brother-in-law CHAPMAN. —In loving memory ot our dear nephew and cousin Lance, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein Oct. 31, 1942. —Ever remembered by Auntie Ada, Uncle Edgar, and family. CHAPMAN. —In fond remembrance of Uncle Lance who gave his life at El Alamein on Oct. 31, 1942. We shall have treasured memories for ever. —Remembered by Mel, lan, Kay and Desma. 

Advertiser Thursday 31 October 1946, CHAPMAN. —In loving memory of our dear son Lance, killed in action El Alamein. October 31. 1942. We still remember the way you looked. The way you spoke and smiled: The things you used to say and do Are with us all the while. —Always remembered by his father and mother. CHAPMAN. —In memory of our dear brother Lance, killed October 31. 1942. We hoped for his return, And longed to clasp his hand: But God postponed that meeting Till we meet in the better land. —Remembered by his brothers and sisters. CHAPMAN. —In loving memory of Lance, killed in action. October 31. 1942. —Inserted by Ray and Iris. 

Advertiser Friday 31 October 1947, CHAPMAN. —In loving memory of my dear brother. Lance, 2/48th Battalion, killed in action, October 31, 1942. life moves on, but memories stay As near and dear as yesterday —Always remembered by Phyl, Jack and children, Whyalla. CHAPMAN. —In loving memory of our dear son Lance, killed at El Alamein. October 31. 1942. The sorrow we feel words cannot explain. The ache in our hearts will always remain; We loved him In life, we love him yet. He Is ours to remember when others forget. —inserted by his sorrowing father and mother. CHAPMAN. —In loving memory of our dear brother Lance, killed in action. El Alamein. October 31. 1942. Resting where no shadows fall. In perfect peace he awaits us all. —Ever remembered by his loving brothers. CHAPMAN. —In loving memory of dear Lance, killed In action at El Alamein, October 31, 1932. Life moves on, but memories stay As dear and near as yesterday. —Ever remembered by his sister Joyce, George and children. CHAPMAN. —In loving memory of Lance, killed in action. El Alamein. He lives for ever In our hearts. —Ever remembered by Auntie Ada, Uncle Edgar and family. 

Advertiser Saturday 30 October 1948, CHAPMAN. —Living memories of my dear brother Lance, killed in action. El Alamein. October 31. 1942. Time cannot dim the memory of ore so dearly loved. —Remembered always, sister Phil. Jack and children. Whyalla. 

Advertiser Monday 31 October 1949, CHAPMAN. —In loving memory of our dear son and brother who was killed October 31. 1942, at El Alamein October 31 1942. Years are passing. But memories are everlasting. —Inserted by his mother, father and brothers. CHAPMAN. —In loving memory of Lance, killed at El Alamein, October 31, 1942. —Ever remembered by Joyce, George and family. CHAPMAN. —In loving memory of my dear brother, killed In action, El Alamein, October 31. 1942. Years are passing, but memories are everlasting. —Always remembered by Phyl, Jack, and family Whyalla. CHAPMAN—in loving memory of Lance killed in action at El Alamein. October 31. 1942.—Always remembered by his sister Betty, George and family. 

Advertiser Tuesday 31 October 1950, CHAPMAN. — In loving memory of our dear son and brother Lance, killed at El Alamein. October 31. 1942. Eight sad years of thinking of one we loved and lost: we who loved him dearly know what that parting cost. — Ever remembered by his mother and father, brothers and sisters. CHAPMAN. — In loving memory of Lance, killed at El Alamein, October 31, 1942. — Remembered always by his sister Joyce. George and family. 

Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.

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