Donald Chapman

Donald Chapman was educated at Dulwich College while his parents were abroad. They returned to England on holiday in 1922 and his mother was one of two people killed in a car accident at Ramsgate during their visit. Chapman was just 15 at the time and later in life, like his parents, would also spend many years later living abroad, in Hong Kong and Vancouver.

Chapman was a member of the Herne Hill Harriers, and was in their team that finished second to the holders Achilles Club in the AAA one-mile relay Championship at Stamford Bridge in 1928. Individually, Chapman was beaten by Roger Leigh-Wood in the semi-final of the 440 yards that year. He was called up for the 4x400 metres relay squad at the Amsterdam Olympics, but never made the final four. During World War II, Chapman was on the RNVR (Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve) list.