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Jungle Soldier: The true story of Freddy Spencer Chapman
Arctic explorer, survival expert and naturalist Freddy Spencer Chapman was trapped behind enemy lines when the Japanese overran Malaya in 1942. His response was to begin a commando campaign of such lethal effectiveness that the Japanese deployed an entire regiment against him, hunting for him as they did for no other. He was wounded, and racked by tropical disease. His companions were killed, or captured and then beheaded. Cut off from friendly forces, his only shelter the deep jungle, Chapman held out for three years and five months. Jungle Soldier recounts the thrilling and unforgettable adventures of the north country orphan who survived against all odds to become a legend of guerrilla warfare.
444 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2009
63 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Brian Moynahan
47 books22 followersBrian Moynahan was an English journalist, historian and biographer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 20, 2020
An extraordinary tale about an extraordinary man. The suffering Freddy Chapman and his comrades went through as they fought against the Japanese in the Malayan jungle was truly horrendous. Recommended.
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August 2, 2011In the annals of guerrila warfare, two names stand out: TE Lawrence ('of Arabia') and Freddy Spencer Chapman - the subject of this enjoyable biography. Between the two, Chapman is the lesser known one--an unsung hero known only to the few Malayan WW2 history buff.
As a kid, I read Chapman's classic, 'The Jungle is Neutral' (mainly because it was lying on my family bookshelf) and was greatly thrilled to find out that a lot of the action happened around my hometown in Pahang.
Reading this biography makes me want to reread The Jungle is Neutral again. It brought back the wonder, terror and beauty of the Malayan jungle. It also has a wonderful account of Chapman's early adventures in Greenland and Tibet. The world needs more poet-warriors like Mr Chapman.
As a kid, I read Chapman's classic, 'The Jungle is Neutral' (mainly because it was lying on my family bookshelf) and was greatly thrilled to find out that a lot of the action happened around my hometown in Pahang.
Reading this biography makes me want to reread The Jungle is Neutral again. It brought back the wonder, terror and beauty of the Malayan jungle. It also has a wonderful account of Chapman's early adventures in Greenland and Tibet. The world needs more poet-warriors like Mr Chapman.
November 29, 2011
Excellent read, all through to the end. One of those stories you think of as unique, and then you remember Nicholson, and the White Rajah, and Lawrence and Anders Larssen and realize that remarkable people are there all the time, just waiting for remarkable situations to make them shine.
February 16, 2018
A semi-biography of the legend that was F.S. Chapman, one of the most accomplished and skilled soldiers of unconventional jungle warfare to date. Moynahan does a thorough job of writing about the man's boyhood, his adventures in the ice fields of the polar region and of course a detailed almost day by day account of his years behind enemy lines in the Malayan jungle, most of it spent with Chinese guerilla communists. Though one can get bogged down in detail and trivia many a times in this lengthy book, there are enough exciting events and evocative descriptions of the terrain to keep one plowing through to the end. However in the later parts the author got lazy or was in a hurry and quotes directly from Chapman's diary at length. Interestingly, this account is likely more truthful than Chapman's own famous book 'The Jungle is Neutral', which we are made to believe harbour quite a few inconsistencies with his diaries and even embellished at certain parts.
What struck me about the exciting life of Chapman is how he seemed to draw strength from adversity. Indeed, the man positively thrives on hardship and challenges, be it being stuck in a snow storm in the Arctic or being chased by enemy soldiers in inhospitable terrain with no equipment except his wits. He viewed those who crack under pressure, his fellow countrymen left behind for example as weak willed and to be pitied. Perhaps having no personal or social attachments - he had no loved ones or close friends back in England to pine for, made him naturally inured of feelings of despair and despondency. Ironically but perhaps predictably as well, life as a civilian back home with a regular desk job, wife and kids did not suit him, and he eventually deteriorated physically and spiritually, resulting ultimately in depression and suicide. Such must be the fate of those who seem to have achieved the greatest things and withstood unthinkable hardships and trauma early in life. Without anything remotely as challenging and engaging to occupy his mental and physical energies late in life, Chapman simply withered away. But such a life he led! The simplicity of the natives he admired and their happy and joyful lives he had the privilege of experiencing for himself during the war years - arguably many of the happiest times in his life.
What struck me about the exciting life of Chapman is how he seemed to draw strength from adversity. Indeed, the man positively thrives on hardship and challenges, be it being stuck in a snow storm in the Arctic or being chased by enemy soldiers in inhospitable terrain with no equipment except his wits. He viewed those who crack under pressure, his fellow countrymen left behind for example as weak willed and to be pitied. Perhaps having no personal or social attachments - he had no loved ones or close friends back in England to pine for, made him naturally inured of feelings of despair and despondency. Ironically but perhaps predictably as well, life as a civilian back home with a regular desk job, wife and kids did not suit him, and he eventually deteriorated physically and spiritually, resulting ultimately in depression and suicide. Such must be the fate of those who seem to have achieved the greatest things and withstood unthinkable hardships and trauma early in life. Without anything remotely as challenging and engaging to occupy his mental and physical energies late in life, Chapman simply withered away. But such a life he led! The simplicity of the natives he admired and their happy and joyful lives he had the privilege of experiencing for himself during the war years - arguably many of the happiest times in his life.
January 22, 2019
I found this book by chance, and I'm so glad I did. During this winter I was working a mind-numbingly boring reception desk-sitting job, and I found it on the shelf in the staff canteen. Reading this got me through those long winter evenings, transporting me to Freddie's adventures on the glaciers of Greenland and the steamy jungles of Vietnam. It is both an incredibly inspiring and incredibly sad tale of an extraordinary man who never really 'fit in' with conventional society. Freddie was a fearless adventurer, but his story has been almost entirely forgotten by history. I felt intrigued to know why. Before completing the book I took a quick search on Wikipedia, where I learnt of Freddie's suicide. The author skims over the significance of this, summarising the later decades of Freddie's life in the final 3 pages, however, I think it may be a crucial detail in why Freddie's story has been lost. For such a brave soul who endured immense hardship and suffering in order to survive at all odds, perhaps it is hard for society to accept that he would choose to end his own life in a world where suicide and mental health are still shrouded in shame and taboo. Rest in peace.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2019
Fascinating biography of a forgotten figure. Chapman was a naturalist, an explorer, and a guerrilla fighter. Self-reliant, tough, resourceful, and possessed of a sense of duty and decency, he is less well known than others perhaps because he cheerfully allied with Chinese communists - united in implacable enmity to the Japanese invaders in Malaya.
I have also read Chapman's memoir The Jungle Is Neutral. It brings out his resilience and his toughness,his understanding of his environment and ability to overcome hardships. Tellingly, he puts his views on the matter in terms of a quote from Hamlet: "for there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so". It struck me how so many explorers and special forces soldiers of the Twentieth Century were great readers. They so often - even, perhaps especially, the far-from introspective Chapman - drew on novels, plays and poems from previous centuries to keep their spirits intact and morale up in the inhospitable wilderness.
I have also read Chapman's memoir The Jungle Is Neutral. It brings out his resilience and his toughness,his understanding of his environment and ability to overcome hardships. Tellingly, he puts his views on the matter in terms of a quote from Hamlet: "for there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so". It struck me how so many explorers and special forces soldiers of the Twentieth Century were great readers. They so often - even, perhaps especially, the far-from introspective Chapman - drew on novels, plays and poems from previous centuries to keep their spirits intact and morale up in the inhospitable wilderness.
March 4, 2018
Fascinating record of a singular man.
The tail told of Freddy Spencer Chapman is based on his own diaries and primary records. It tells the tale of his life with emphasis on his development and subsequent service in Malaya during WWII. A nation is flattered by his example and spirit.
The tail told of Freddy Spencer Chapman is based on his own diaries and primary records. It tells the tale of his life with emphasis on his development and subsequent service in Malaya during WWII. A nation is flattered by his example and spirit.
May 21, 2019
An excellent biography of a rather enigmatic character, really brings to life the horrors and difficulties of being a ‘stay behind’ and trying to live and survive in the jungles. Thoroughly enjoyed the book and an excellent companion to Chapman’s own story, The Jungle is Neutral, which I read lying on the beach in Pangkor Laut, the island that Chapman finally escaped from!
April 28, 2021
The author seems to have been rushed and accordingly stays (too) close to the writings of the subject, despite persistent hints that more analysis of the greater context of conflict and inclusion of alternative perspectives would generated more interest. Horrible tough it was the account of the jungle treks, the food and the illness frankly becomes boringly repetitous
September 10, 2017
An i retreating read
You d this book rather hard going but was determined to read and understand the sacrifices made and what was require to survive in such a hostile environment and what it took to be at o we with the jungle.
You d this book rather hard going but was determined to read and understand the sacrifices made and what was require to survive in such a hostile environment and what it took to be at o we with the jungle.
July 23, 2022
Wonderful book to read that takes you into into the heart of the jungle and just escaping the Japanese. Encountering jungle fever and living off meagre rations and sleeping often for two whole days through exhaustion. It is a must to read and carries you through the jungle scale.
December 26, 2017
Recommended
Great story. Realistically written. It takes us into Freddy's awful jungle existence. A man of courage and steel who always thought of others right up to his death
Great story. Realistically written. It takes us into Freddy's awful jungle existence. A man of courage and steel who always thought of others right up to his death
July 22, 2019
Amazing man and amazing read.
April 19, 2020
A very good war story.
July 18, 2023
Brave man
March 7, 2011
My son Russell was traveling and was in Malaysia for a bit. I asked him what he was reading and he said this book. I bought a copy on Amazon and a week later it arrived from England! What a world we live in!
Jungle Soldier is the biography of Spencer (Freddy) Chapman. Chapman was an extremely interesting fellow. Chapman, an Englishman, was orphaned a young boy, was raised by a clergyman, went to school at Cambridge and then went on to a life of adventure. He surveyed the icy wastelands of Greenland, traveled, photographed and climbed peaks in Tibet and served in the British forces in Malaysia in WWII where he trained soldiers in guerrilla warfare. When the Japanese roared through he spend 2 weeks in the jungle blowing up bridges and then 3 years hiding from the Japanese with bands of native resistance fighters. His survival skills were great and sufferings unimaginable. He was eventually brought out on a submarine and then later parachuted back in to accept the Japanese surrender.
The book is not well written. It reads like a preteen adventure story, full of "gees" and "wows" and lacking in good prose or in depth examination of the subject. I went on line to look for photos that Chapman took and they are astonishing. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/31271526...) If you want to read about an amazing fellow and about adventures that rarely occur today this is the book for you. If you want something well written move on.
Jungle Soldier is the biography of Spencer (Freddy) Chapman. Chapman was an extremely interesting fellow. Chapman, an Englishman, was orphaned a young boy, was raised by a clergyman, went to school at Cambridge and then went on to a life of adventure. He surveyed the icy wastelands of Greenland, traveled, photographed and climbed peaks in Tibet and served in the British forces in Malaysia in WWII where he trained soldiers in guerrilla warfare. When the Japanese roared through he spend 2 weeks in the jungle blowing up bridges and then 3 years hiding from the Japanese with bands of native resistance fighters. His survival skills were great and sufferings unimaginable. He was eventually brought out on a submarine and then later parachuted back in to accept the Japanese surrender.
The book is not well written. It reads like a preteen adventure story, full of "gees" and "wows" and lacking in good prose or in depth examination of the subject. I went on line to look for photos that Chapman took and they are astonishing. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/31271526...) If you want to read about an amazing fellow and about adventures that rarely occur today this is the book for you. If you want something well written move on.
June 15, 2017
Hero is a word used way to often nowadays it's almost a throw away for the smallest action. But Freddy Spencer Chapman was a true honest to goodness hero in the best Boy's Own hero type tradition. Arctic explorer to jungle soldier and many things in between. During the second world war Freddy was in Malaya (Now Malaysia) and whilst the rest of the British forces and their various Empire buddies got the f**k out of dodge when the Japanese came cycling down through Malaya. Freddy and a few ultra brave men went they other way. Intending to stay behind enemy lines and carry out a gorilla war against the Japanese. Having to depend upon help from Chinese gorilla forces (Communist and non communist) and the Sakai (now known as Orang Asli, the indigenous Malaysians). The majority of non indigenous Malay's and Indians avoided conflict with the Japanese and they could very often not be trusted to help those forces fighting to remove the Japanese. Freddie and his fellow soldiers suffered horribly, many killed or died along the way. Freddy survived despite frequent bouts of Malaria and sores, malnutrition, trekking through almost impenetrable jungle etc and this is a fascinating unputdownable book in the best tradition of adventure. A must read.
August 28, 2016
An absorbing read about an astonishing man who had astonishing adventures. The background of his youth and upbringing set the scene for his fortitude and lone resilience in later life partly described in his famous book 'The jungle is nuetral'. Fact is picked out from the fiction in this acount using his real diaries for original material. The Guardian asks why Freddy Chapman didnt get the recognition and fame aforded to a similar amazing individual 'Lawrence of Arabia'. Probably because whilst his exploits in the Malayan Jungle fighting the Japanese are on a par with those of Lawrence, the elaboration of his feats and pasion for self publication went nowhere near that of Lawrences. Also probably just as telling were his close alliences with the Chinese communist guerrillas whom he fought alongside in the jungle and his relucta
nce to fight against them after the war once they turned their attention to their former colonial masters.
nce to fight against them after the war once they turned their attention to their former colonial masters.
March 4, 2014
I had been searching for months for this book and I was not disappointed. Freddy Chapman, was stranded behind enemy lines when Singapore was surrendered to the Japanese in May 1944. It was a terrible time for Singaporeans, as my grandfather used to say (he still refuses to talk about the war), and the courage it took Chapman to commit himself to guerilla warfare against the Japanese whilst battling malaria, deep leg ulcers, typhus, pneumonia and a whole plethora of other tropical diseases was astounding. That he survived was one thing; that he thrived in the jungle terrain (something many foreign soldiers couldn't handle) was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
September 10, 2023
I read " The Jungle is Neutral " in 1980. Sergeant Atkinson, Royal Marines, told his trainees it was the best account of its kind. I scoured Exeter book shops until I purchased a special edition designed for near-sighted readers.
42 years later I discovered this excellent read. Moynihan has captured the story with a 21st-century style. While staying glued to the golden thread of TJIN. I absolutely love this version and was constantly fretting that the journalist-trained author would wander off to pursue a revisionist history. He didn't, instead, we have a new fresh light on this outstanding individual that is Freddy Spencer Chapman.
42 years later I discovered this excellent read. Moynihan has captured the story with a 21st-century style. While staying glued to the golden thread of TJIN. I absolutely love this version and was constantly fretting that the journalist-trained author would wander off to pursue a revisionist history. He didn't, instead, we have a new fresh light on this outstanding individual that is Freddy Spencer Chapman.
June 21, 2011
The true story of Freddy Chapman, focusing in particular on the years he spent behind enemy lines in Malaya during WWII. This was an inspiring read, I was impressed by his adventures before war broke out (there is quite a lot of detail of his pre-war Arctic expeditions) but the ingenuity and tenacity displayed during his time behind enemy lines is amazing - sabotage operations, capture and escape, feats of endurance and bouts of malaria all feature. And all the while he takes notes of the native flora and fauna, you couldn't make it up.
May 24, 2024
I first encountered the name Freddy Spencer Chapman on a plaque at the beach front of the Emerald Bay which led me to this book. It documents the life & times of Col. Chapman with exceptional details of Malayan history in the turbulent era of the Japanese occupation. It is amazing how Col. Chapman persevered through this toughest time and through poor health in the Malayan jungle while he meticulously kept a journal the entire time. As he said, "the Jungle is neutral, ...it is the attitude that determines you go under or survive".
August 7, 2010
Besides being an interesting story, I learned a lot about resilience and endurance from Chapman's life. One of his favorite quotes was Hamlet's "there is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so," and he stayed true to it (not in the sense of moral relativism, but rather in enduring hardships).
Also, the author does a good job in objectively analyzing Chapman's memoirs, so I would recommend this even if you've already read Chapman's books.
Also, the author does a good job in objectively analyzing Chapman's memoirs, so I would recommend this even if you've already read Chapman's books.
July 22, 2011
What a read. It puts the modern day exploits of Messrs Mears and Grylls into true perspective and doesn't even scratch the surface of what Freddy must have endured whilst in the midst of an approaching enemy and possible betrayal. There are some people who take living to another level and Chapman ranks highly within that group.
May 14, 2016
A good biography, of another great Briton. Having read The Jungle is Neutral a few years ago, this was a find that explained more and told a wider story of a modern explorer. I also found it entirely appropriate to be reading it as I travelled through Malaya!
September 20, 2020
Wounded, racked by tropical disease, cut off from friendly forces, with all his companions killed or captured and beheaded. This bio captured the life of Chapman's life in the tropical jungle of Malaya during the Japanese invasion. Sad ending. His legend live on.
February 4, 2021
The book was interesting and written in a style that was reasonably easy to read. It would have been nice to have more detail of his life after the war, this part seemed a little incomplete and rushed.
April 23, 2023
4/5
Good account and biography of an interesting character. British soldier left behind in Malaya during ww2. Talks about how he survived and his life on the run. No the most informative but still a fun read.
Good account and biography of an interesting character. British soldier left behind in Malaya during ww2. Talks about how he survived and his life on the run. No the most informative but still a fun read.
January 1, 2024
Amazing story about this man’s life and how he evaded Japanese capture in the 2nd world war. Even before the war he did amazing things travelling and even living with eskimos. A real legend of a character who lived an extraordinary life. Very good book.
November 16, 2011
absolutely fantastic & amazing to read of such determination in such adversity()
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews