Blighty Thank God

‘Blighty Thank God’ is a 12-part podcast, based on the ‘lost’ diary of WW2 RAF pilot Flt. Sgt. Ron Chapman, 22, who served in Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

Hosted and produced by his journalist son Neil Chapman it tells some of stories he uncovered when he researched the diary, found 30 years after his father died.

The accompanying website - www.blightythankgod.co.uk - contains the complete diary, context notes, maps, photographs and background material.
The project is a tribute to the thousands of reluctant WW2 warriors from many nations.

Too many of them never made it home to their Blighty.

All Episodes

Blighty Thank God

1 Death in Winter

September 07, 2023 • Neil Chapman • Season 1 • Episode 1

0:00 | 17:13

January, 1943 my father had recently arrived at RAF Habbaniya, Iraq as a member of the Communications Flight based there. But settling in wasn’t easy.
It’s here that he started his diary, which very quickly highlights death is ever present - on this occasion his Squadron Leader George Milnes (RNZAF) goes missing with some high profile passengers on board his plane.
Diary entries read by grandson David
Episode photo: Sq. Ldr. Milnes

I'd welcome any messages, especially if you enjoyed the episode stories.

To find maps, photographs and other material associated with each episode as well as the complete diary and context notes visit the podcast website – www.blightythankgod.co.uk.

Neil Chapman

Host