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

7 Leo and the Gold Smugglers

September 08, 2023 • Neil Chapman • Season 1 • Episode 7

A ‘gold racket’ my father casually mentions in his diary wasn’t the only surprise on the Takoradi Route, along which he was a ferry pilot moving planes between West and North Africa 1941-42.
Leo the Lion was also a surprise awaiting first time visitors to the remote airfield of El Fasher in Sudan. My father also faced a court martial -as an escort helping two friends out who found themselves in trouble.
Diary entries read by granddaughter Claire.
Additional voices: Chris Proffitt, Geoff Paddock.
Episode photo: Leo the Lion by a Bristol Blenheim at El Fasher (Source Pan Am Historical Foundation)

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.

People on this episode

Neil Chapman

Host