A bombardier in the Royal Field Artillery,
Lancelot Dickinson Chapman aged 31,
Had been presented about
As a hero – celebrated at stage shows
And in photographs, with a Victoria Cross.
The truth was proved otherwise different.
Bombardier Chapman had made himself
Known to the media and appeared
In a Music Hall Tableau – Photographs
Of Bombardier Chapman had even
Been published, in the illustrated
Papers – additionally his image had
Displayed in the district of his home.
Wednesday 3 February, in the afternoon,
Bombardier Chapman attended the Coliseum - when he was called outside
To meet an interested party – this being
A Detective Inspector Hambrook.
He asked Bombardier Chapman, as to
Where he had gained the VC he wore.
The reply he gave was to say he had won
The cross at
To him by King George whilst in
Inspector Hambrook stated that he did
Not believe the fact – making an arrestBombardier Chapman, was detained at
Scotland Yard – pending an investigation.
Bombardier Chapman was informed
He matched a deserter’s description -
Bombardier Chapman’s explanation,
Was that he was on leave - discharged
From hospital and he was no deserter.
Inspector Hambrook had attended
The coliseum, having had a complaintAbout the ‘soldier’ - he had recognised
Bombardier Chapman from large
Photographs - wearing three medals -
Displayed in a Camberwell shop window.
Thursday 4 February 1915 Chapman
Was charged with desertion, to appear
In court, in a Royal Field Artillery uniform.
Chief Detective-inspector Gough told
The Magistrate how, for some time,
Bombardier Chapman had let it be
Believed he had gained service medals;
Of Victoria Cross and Order of Leopold.
By this method Bombardier Chapman
Had
gained, and attempted to gain,Sums of money – other charges were
Likely to be raised – Chapman was
Invited to ask questions of the officer.
In a sullen tone, Bombardier Chapman
Said, he would not say anything -
‘Until they find out properly.’
A remand was made,
as the court
Was told of two
people present,Wanting to charge the detained
With fraud – A man at the back
Came forward, requesting money
Found on the prisoner – the total
Was £5 and £2 10s - the prisoner
Borrowed from his son and himself -
To add Bombardier Chapman had
His two watches, in his possession.
Inspector
Gough explained how,
Bombardier
Chapman had livedIn Camberwell - at the house
Of the applicant - to borrow the
Monies, along with statement that
He would marry his daughter.
The Mayor of Camberwell was
Later to receive a letter to say,
How Bombardier Chapman
Should be publicly celebrated -
Prompting a movement to do so.
After
his arrest, a statement
Was
given by Bombardier Chapman, admitting he was
Not entitled to the Victoria Cross.
He had bought one for 30s
At a curiosity shop, two weeks
Before. At other times he had
Bought the other medals -
For totals of 7s 6d and 12s 6d.
Bombardier
Chapman told
Of
his actual service - joining The King’s Own Yorkshire
Light Infantry, 14 December
1899 - discharged 23 October
1910, completing his service.
Working in
Different shipyards, he had
Never mentioned his past.
In
1914 he signed into the
Royal
Field Artillery, attached To 148th
13 November 1914 – he stated
That he had never been to
And that being presented the VC
By King George was a total lie.
The Order Of Leopold, Legion
Of Honour and Medal Militaire
Presented to him was also untrue.
After
he deserted, he travelled
To With lodgings, at various places -
Mainly staying at the
Jack Club – when further asked
By the Magistrate if he admitted
To being a deserter, Bombardier
Chapman was heard to reply,
‘I say nothing At all about it.’
Anon.,1915. Bogus VC Hero – never Been To
France
Mann, J., 2015. 100 years Ago - Poems by Jamie Mann. [letter] (Personal communication, 5 February 2015).
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