Orders, Decorations and Medals

A scarce Great War D.S.M. group of four awarded for the evacuation of Thermi Aerodrome to Able Seaman G. A. Chapman, H.M.S. Forward
Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (218967 A.B., H.M.S. Forward 9-15 Oct. 1917); 1914-15 Star Trio (218967 A.B. R.N.) nearly very fine (3)

D.S.M. London Gazette 26 April, 1918, ‘for the evacuation of Thermi Aerodrome.’
Thermi, on the Aegean Island of Mitylene, was established as a front line Air Station in June 1915. “B” Squadron R.N.A.S. were responsible for anti-submarine patrols off the Smyrna and Aivalik areas. They took part in the bombing of the Paderma-Smyrna Railway and other lines of communication. They were joined by “F” Squadron in July 1917 for special bombing operations but the enemy had reinforced its local air unit on Paradisos and were soon making reprisal attacks on Thermi. On the 9th October “B” Squadron moved from Thermi to a new aerodrome at Kalloni (Mitylene). While the move was in progress Thermi was vigorously shelled. For his services during the evacuation Chapman was awarded one of the four D.S.M.’s given for this little incident. One D.S.O. and one D.S.C. were also awarded.