Charles Chapman (aviator)

Charles Meredith Bouverie Chapman, MC (9 January 1887 – 1 October 1917) was a British Flying Ace in World War I with seven credited victories.

Background
Chapman was born in Bridge, Kent, the son of a brewer.

Involvement in World War 1
Chapman served as a lieutenant in the East Kent Regiment from January 1913 but was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps on 1 July 1915. He qualified as a pilot on 31 July 1915 receiving military flying training at Shorham before being posted to No. 22 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps. On 1 April 1916, Chapman as part of this Squadron was sent to France, based eventually at Bertangles. However Chapman was transferred to 'B' Flight No. 24 Squadron, also based at Bertangles, using Airco DH.2 aircraft. Chapman was successful in destroying three enemy aircraft in a short period, commencing on 22 June 1916, for which he was awarded the Military Cross.

On detachment in the UK, Chapman served in a number of Training Units and on 1 November 1916 was promoted to the rank of Captain becoming a flight commander. In this capacity, he returned to France in May 1917 to join No. 29 Squadron at Le Hameau, flying Nieuport Scouts. Chapman was credited with all the rest of his victories flying this type of aircraft, like Georg Simon pilot in Manfred von Richthofen's Jagdstaffel 11.

He died of shrapnel injuries received on 1 October 1917 after a German bombing raid on No 29 Sqn's aerodrome at Poperinghe.