Wedding cake charm

This tiny baby figure was used as a lucky charm by RAF Air Gunner Jim Chapman. It was one of the decorations from his wedding cake, and he kept it with him when he went flying to remind him of his beloved wife and of home.

One night whilst over Germany, Jim’s aircraft was attacked by a fighter and shot down. Luckily, Jim was able to escape from the burning bomber and parachuted to earth with the baby charm in his pocket.

He tried to evade capture and make his way to the Swiss border, but he was found out and sent to a prisoner of war camp for the rest of the War.

Accession Number: 85/C/406