1914-15 Star (38581 TPTR. W.J. CLAPP. R.G.A.); British War Medal (38581 GNR. W.J. CLAPP. R.A.); Victory Medal (38581 GNR. W.J. CLAPP. R.A.); General Service Medal GVR clasp Iraq (38581 BMBR. W.J. CLAPP. R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45; Jubilee Medal 1935 (self engraved 1408453 B.Q.M.S. W.J. CLAPP. R.A.); Army Long Service Good Conduct Medal GVR bar Regular Army (1408453 SJT. W.J. CLAPP. R.A.); Meritorious Service Medal GVIR (1408453 W.O. CL.2. W.J. CLAPP. R.A.) - with original Warrant dated 1936
William John Clapp was born in Stoke Damerel in 1898. Having attested for service with the Royal Artillery he was sent to France on 21.12.1914. After the war he served in Iraq with 14 Pack Battery of the RGA and was at the fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942 whilst serving with 122 Field Regiment, RA as the Regimental Sergeant Major.
The 122nd (West Riding) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery (TA) was stationed in Singapore during World War II. They arrived in Malaya in March 1941 and were captured after the fall of Singapore in February 1942. The regiment suffered significant losses, both during the fighting and due to the harsh conditions of captivity. Many members were scattered across various prisoner-of-war camps, including the infamous Changi Prison, and some were sent to work on the Burma Railway.
No longer a young man it was quite a feat that Clapp survived the rigours of captivity. His Japanese POW card records his address as 8 Linden Terrace, St Jude's, Plymouth.
He was released on 2 September 1945, returning home to his family, claiming his WWII medals on 17 December 1948 from 8 Beacon Road, Kingstanding, Birmingham - the address his wife was to be found at whilst he was a POW.
He died in Torbay, Devon in 1986.
Medals are in good condition unless indicated otherwise. Sold together with copied research.
