26 Radio Unit - Langara Island, BC.

British Empire Medal
RCAF Honours and Awards

CHAPMAN, LAC Harry Horace Herbert (RR176968) - British Empire Medal - Station Prince Rupert - Award effective 1 January 1946 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 82/46 dated 25 January 1946. Home in Truro, Nova Scotia; enlisted in Pembroke, Ontario, 24 January 1940. Award sent by registered mail. The DHist file gives two slightly varying citations, both given below:

Leading Aircraftman Chapman was one of the crewmen of a rowboat which capsized in a rough sea off Langara Island. After reaching the comparative safety of the upturned boat and straddling it, this airman saw an officer struggling in the water some distance away. With complete disregard for his own safety, he immediately dove into the water and succeeded in pulling the officer to shore. Although the officer was drowned in this accident, the courage and resolution shown by Leading Aircraftman Chapman earned the highest praise from those present. He displayed devotion to duty of a high order.

On 23rd March 1945, LAC Chapman was one of the crewmen of a rowboat which capsized in a rough sea off Langara Island. After reaching the comparative safety of the upturned boat and straddling it, this airman saw F/L A Newman struggling in the water some distance away. With complete disregard for his own safety, he immediately dove into the water and succeeded in pulling F/L Newman to shore. F/L Newman was drowned in this accident, but the courage and resolution shown by LAC Chapman earned the highest praise from those present, and the fact of this heroism was included in the findings of the Court of Inquiry.