News about John Chapman

Large crowds turned out today in Bristol to pay their respects to Mr Kirby, 47, who was one of seven World Central Kitchen workers who died in the April 1 attack. Mr Kirby, who had fought in Bosnia and Afghanistan, had his life commemorated at St Mary Redcliffe Church in his native city. He was part of WCK's security team travelling with a convoy that had just unloaded more than 100 tonnes of much-needed food aid brought from overseas when hit by the air strike, dying along with two other Britons. Mourners lined the streets this afternoon to remember him, a poignant flower arrangement spelled out the word 'SON' and immediate family and friends carried his coffin draped in the Union Jack.

Nurse Amy Appelhans Gubser, 55, became the first swimmer to complete the almost 30 mile swim across the treacherous Gulf of the Farallones in an outbound direction. The mom and grandma-of-two is a lifelong swimmer but described the feat as the hardest thing she has ever set out to do. Gubser was supported by a team who were only allowed to spend an hour in the water with her at a time with an hour break between. She braved 43 degree water with no wetsuit to complete the herculean swim in just over 17 hours.

Dominic Chapman (left, with father John), 26, was pronounced dead in hospital after fighting at an Ultra White Collar Boxing event at Tramps nightclub in Worcester. The UK events company was accused of a 'hush up job' in a car park after the tragic death of the much-loved son, brother and friend, Worcestershire Coroners Court heard. It was a claim rebuked and branded 'ludicrous' by Ultra Events - whose charity matches which raise money for Cancer Research have seen three boxers die since 2017. The court heard how the 26-year-old, who 'lit up people's lives', underwent organisers' standard eight weeks of training for the fundraising match held at the Worcester-based venue on April 9, 2022.

Celebrity chef Jose Andres paid tribute to the seven World Central Kitchen aid workers killed by an Israeli strike in Gaza Thursday at Washington's National Cathedral, alongside second gentleman Doug Emhoff and violinist Yo-Yo Ma. From the grand cathedral's stone pulpit, Andres continued to demand answers after a convoy clearly marked with World Central Kitchen signage was targeted by the Israel Defense Forces on April 1.

James Kirby, 47, from Street in Somerset, James Henderson, 33, from Falmouth in Cornwall and John Chapman, 57, from Poole in Dorset, died in the April 1 attack. An inquest into the three former British servicemen's deaths was opened at Avon Coroner's Court in Flax Bourton, near Bristol, earlier today. It heard initial post-mortem results and has been adjourned until later this year. The men, who were providing security for the charity World Central Kitchen (WCK), were among seven workers who died while travelling in a convoy in Deir al-Balah, south of Gaza City.

Seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen (WCK) were killed by Israeli forces while their convoy was moving to deliver aid in what the UN chief labelled an 'unconscionable' attack. The Polish aid worker, Damian Sobol, from south-eastern Poland, took part in delivering aid to Ukrainian refugees following the Russia-Ukraine war and also helped during Turkiye's massive earthquake. Today, over two weeks since his killing, a memorial event honouring his life began at the Przemysl train station, where in 2022 he started his aid career after thousands of Ukrainians arrived. The procession then ended with a funeral ceremony at the cemetery in his home town of Przemysl.

Britain won't suspend arms sales to Israel despite the recent killing of three British veterans in an IDF airstrike in Gaza, David Cameron confirmed tonight. The Foreign Secretary, speaking in Washington DC, said he had reviewed the most recent legal advice and this had left the UK's position 'unchanged'. The deaths of James 'Jim' Henderson, John Chapman, and James Kirby, who were all former members of the Armed Forces, has piled pressure on the Government to take a tougher line on Israel. They were among seven aid workers who died when a World Central Kitchen (WCK) convoy was hit by an Israeli air strike last week. Calls for a halt to arms sales to Israel in the wake of the tragedy have come from MPs - including senior Tories - as well as a former national security adviser and retired senior judges.

James Henderson, 33, (right), was one of three British workers injured in the Israeli drone attack on Monday, alongside veterans John Chapman and James Kirby. Henderson, who is fondly referred to as a "selfless giant," has raised more than £10,000 in donations, the most generous being from someone under the name Jack Grealish. Jordan Mcgrath, a friend of Henderson, seems to have generously contributed £500 without leaving a note on the fundraising page, which was designed by a friend of Henderson.

In response to allegations that the Netanyahu government's activities violate international law, Mel Stride said that the government would not release its legal advice on weapons sales. The United Kingdom's Work and Pensions Secretary said it was'very sad' following the deaths of John Chapman, Jim Henderson, and James Kirby in an air attack on a World Central Kitchen convoy. However, when speaking with Sky News today, he said that UK assistance for Israel, as well as arms exports, will continue.

As he struck out at those who'relish' in 'pushing this case,' deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden hinted today that Britain would not suspend arms sales to Israel. Following the deaths of three Britons in an IDF air attack in Gaza on an assistance convoy, there have been increasing calls for the UK to refrain from supplying arms to Israel. The deaths of British veterans James 'Jim' Henderson, John Chapman, and James Kirby have pushed the government to take a tougher line against Israel. However, Mr Dowden told Sky News this morning that no change had been made in Government guidance on arms exports, although he admitted that if Israel were found in violation of international law, it might have changed. The Deputy Prime Minister also slammed those who're 'pushing this lawsuit against Israel', expressing worry about 'the way in which some people are scrutinizing this issue.' Mr Dowden's remarks are the latest sign of a Cabinet split over Britain's support for Israel in the wake of controversies in top ministers over a potential arms sales ban. It came as Foreign Secretary David Cameron warned that Britain's help for Israel is not unconditional, and that the killing of aid workers' "must never happen again."

It comes after former SBS operator John Chapman, 47, and former special forces operator James Henderson, 33, died in air strikes carried out by the IDF on April 1. Israeli actions have sparked international condemnation, with leaders in the United Kingdom, Poland, Canada, and Australia - the countries where the foreign nationals of Israel are among those calling for accountability. The three British veterans were among seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) workers commuting out of Deir al-Balah in food aid trucks when they were struck by missiles. Israel apologised for a "grave error" and fired two soldiers as a result, but Lord Cameron said there is "no doubt where the blame lies," and "this must never happen again."

Since their food convoy was struck in an Israeli war, a fundraiser for the ex-forces hero who died alongside two other British humanitarian workers in Gaza has been started. On Monday, James Henderson (pictured) - affectionately referred to as a'selfless giant' in an Israeli drone strike in Gaza on a food aid convoy. Henderson, 33, was traveling in a clearly marked vehicle operated by World Central Kitchen (WCK), a charity assisting Palestinians in the war-torn enclave, when the convoy was struck by an IDF drone and hit the convoy with three missiles. The 33-year-old former Royal Marine from Cornwall formed part of the rescue team's security detail and died alongside fellow British veterans John Chapman, 57, and James Kirby, 47. In fewer than two days, a fundraiser to help his family has already raised £6,880.

According to an IDF probe, Efrat Katz, 68 (main), was likely killed by an Israeli Air Force chopper (inset) that sparked a torrent of fire at a vehicle carrying Hamas attackers as it left kibbutz Nir Oz (right) during the October 7 atrocities. The majority of the terrorists in the car were killed in the attack, as a result of the shooting, as well as the late Efrat Katz.' According to Israeli media, officials revealed the findings of their study to Katz's family this morning. After the incident, the IDF said it was not aware Katz was in the car until it reviewed surveillance footage and cross-referenced with eyewitness accounts. Katz's body was later discovered and buried on October 25, but the IDF refused to reveal the cause of death until the probe was concluded. The tragic friendly fire tragedy occurred just days after Israel requested worldwide condemnation, including from allies Britain and the United States, when an IDF drone killed seven humanitarian workers travelling in a clearly marked World Central Kitchen (WCK) convoy.

As he demanded a "fully independent investigation" into the deaths of three Britons in Gaza, David Cameron cautioned Israel that "this must never happen again." James 'Jim' Henderson, John Chapman, and James Kirby, all British veterans, have pushed on the Foreign Secretary to take a tougher stance on Israel. On Monday, seven aid workers were killed when a World Central Kitchen (WCK) convoy was struck by an Israeli airstrike. The tragedy has prompted increasing calls for Britain to suspend arms exports to Israel. It has also been requested by the government that legal counsel regarding Israel's activities in Gaza determine whether it is in breach of international humanitarian law.

The attack should not have occurred,' according to the IDF's findings into the incident that was announced today. When the convoy was attacked on Monday night, the staff from the charity, which provides food assistance in crisis and conflict zones, were killed. IDF missiles struck their convoy just after they oversaw the delivery of 100 tons of food by sea to the Palestinian territories by sea.

Following the assassination of three British soldiers in Gaza by a Tory MP, calls for Britain to stop arms sales to Israel have been dismissed as'shallow gesture politics.' The Isle of Wight MP and a member of the House of Commons' foreign affairs committee, Bob Seely, said that the UK should instead 'double down' on its links with Israel. His remarks came at a time when conservatives are split on how to react to James 'Jim' Henderson, John Chapman, and James Kirby's deaths. They were among seven humanitarian workers killed on Monday when an Israeli airstrike struck a World Central Kitchen (WCK) convoy. The government is also under growing pressure to provide legal guidance regarding whether Israel is in breach of international humanitarian law by its activities in Gaza. However, amid warnings that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron may be able to take a tougher line, including a halt to arms sales to Israel, there are reports of a split in Cabinet. According to Bloomberg, at least three Cabinet ministers have opposed any reduction of arms sales, though some senior government officials and No10 consultants have also opposed the UK's decision that Israel is not complying with international law.

James Henderson, 33, (right) was one of seven humanitarian workers killed when the World Central Kitchen convoy was struck outside the Deir al-Balah, Gaza warehouse. The former Royal Marine served as part of the relief team's security and died alongside fellow British veterans John Chapman (left) and James Kirby, 47 (inset). Henderson's brother said that 'accountability is the only hope of revenge I have' for his brother's death.' He blasted Israel's "inexcusable activity" and said the British Government's retaliation in the aftermath of the killings is "hard to comprehend." Israeli officials have so far apologised for the strikes and announced that an investigation would be launched "at the highest level" to ensure that such incidents do not occur again. In the meantime, Lord Cameron has promised to 'keep Israel accountable' for the murders and denied suggestions that Britain is downplaying the incident to prevent Israel from causing uproar.

Mark Townsend (main photo on GMB; left of inset) shed tears today as he paid a loving tribute to British military hero and friend James Kirby (right of inset) who was killed in a Israeli airstrike in Gaza. Mr Kirby, a former Army soldier, 47, was one of three former British servicemen killed in Gaza on Monday, alongside John Chapman, 57, and James 'Jim' Henderson, 33. On Monday, the team, which was providing cover for the World Central Kitchen charity, was struck as they moved food from a warehouse to Gaza's starving population. Mr Kirby's companion, Mark Townsend, who served in Afghanistan, held back tears as they spoke about the 'outstanding individual' who was killed in the airstrike.

More than 600 attorneys, including former Supreme Court justices, have warned Prime Minister Rishi Sunak that Britain could go beyond international law by continuing to allow weapons export to Israel. The lawyers said in a letter released on Wednesday night that the Gaza crisis was worsening and the International Court of Justice's conclusion that there was a'protestable risk of genocide' caused the UK to suspend arms exports to the region. Lady Hale, former Supreme Court Justice Lord Sumption and Lord Wilson, along with nine other judges and 69 KCs, are among the signatories. Following the revelation that three British nationals, John Chapman, James "Jim" Henderson, and James Kirby were among the seven aid workers killed in an airstrike in Gaza on Monday night, the letter came at the end of a day of cross-party calls urging the government to suspend arms exports to Israel.

Former Royal Marines James Henderson (top center) and John Chapman (top left) and ex-Army soldier James Kirby (top right) were killed in a drone attack on an aid convoy that sparked global condemnation. An Australian national Lalzawmi Frankcom (middle left), a Polish national Damian Sobol (right middle), and Palestinian Saifeddin Issam Abutaha (bottom right) died alongside the convoy as it arrived in the Deir al-Balah warehouse on Monday.

Herzi Halevi, the head of Israel Defence Forces (IDF) in Jerusalem, called the killings a "grave mistake," blaming night-time "misidentification" and initiating an independent probe into the incident. According to a military source, the official report, which could be published in the coming days, is forecast to conclude the deaths of the World Central Kitchen (WCK) workers as a 'tragic accident' and attribute the assault to a "intelligence failure." If the conclusion is as expected, insiders expect that the Israeli government will provide compensation to the victims' families. On Monday, the Israeli military killed seven workers of WCK, three British veterans, when it bombed a clearly marked vehicle befitting the food charity.

Following the news that the drone used may have British-made parts in it, questions have been raised about the UK's involvement in the Israeli attack that killed three former British servicemen. James Henderson, a former British Marine, 33, and British military veteran James Kirby, 47, were among seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) workers killed in an Israeli strike in the Gaza Strip on Monday. On Monday night, the seven WCK workers pulled out of the charity's central Gaza warehouse in three cars clearly identified as working for the humanitarian group, and they followed an IDF-approved route and had GPS trackers and SOS beacons broadcasting their positions. But their lives were cut short when an Israeli-led Hermes 450 drone scrambled to follow them, before finding the inhabitants of each vehicle with three precision R9X Hellfire missiles. A British company may have been sending over parts for potential use in Hermes 450 drones as recently as 2021, according to unearthed export licences. Jacob Flickinger, James Kirby, and James Henderson are pictured from left to right.

John Chapman, a British military veteran who died in a Palestinian drone strike in Gaza on Monday, has paid tribute to his late friend while still offering assistance, but he wouldn't go into Gaza now because the IDF is not trusted.' The 61-year-old ex-SAS Commando, who refused to be identified for security reasons, served with Mr Chapman for many years in the UAE in the 1990s. 'We all used to call' John, who served alongside them in the Special Boat Service (SBS), he wrote, 'Happy Chapman'. He was a hit, and he was always a joke.'

Exclusive: His Majesty is particularly keen on current events surrounding the deaths of former SBS soldier John Chapman, 57, ex-Royal Marine James Henderson, 33, and former Rifleman James Kirby, 47. As the tragic news broke on Tuesday morning, foreign office workers posted to the Middle East received a note from the monarch requesting that he be kept abreast. Charles is the leader of the Armed Forces and Captain General of the Royal Marines, the elite commando unit in which both Mr Chapman and Mr Henderson served. Given his service to both the Marines and the military, royal observers agree it is no surprise that he would take their deaths to heart.