| Accession Number | P10550.217 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white - Glass original postcard negative |
| Maker |
Thuillier, Louis |
| Place made | France: Picardie, Somme, Vignacourt |
| Date made | c November 1916 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: AWM Licensed copyright |
| Copying Provisions | Copyright restrictions apply. Only personal, non-commercial, research and study use permitted. Permission of copyright holder required for any commercial use and/or reproduction. |
From the Thuillier collection of glass plate negatives, taken by Louis and Antoinette Thuillier in Vignacourt, France during the period 1916 to 1918.
Description
Group portrait of officers from the 5th Battalion. Identified are, standing back row, 1911 Lieutenant (Lt) Alexander Fulford Bechervaise MC; and front row right, 1126 Lt Cecil David Chapman MM. (See also P10550.040 and P10550.243)
Lt Bechervaise was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous bravery and good leadership on the morning of 10 August 1918. During an attack on Lihons, he led his unit, under heavy machine gun fire, to position. He later took out a nest of machine guns which enabled a second unit to move into the woods and capture the position.
Lt Chapman was recommended for the Military Medal twice (once for his actions on Gallipoli), the Distinguished Conduct Medal, and the Military Cross. He was awarded the Military Medal for his actions on 25 July 1916 when he took over command of his platoon after his officers were wounded at Pozieres.
From the Thuillier collection of glass plate negatives. Taken by Louis and Antoinette Thuillier in Vignacourt, France during the period 1916 to 1918.