Tapping, Frederick Albert

April 1st, 2004 by JCB
Posted in Obituaries | No Comments »

Frederick Tapping died on the 21st January 2004 after a protracted illness. Born on 23rd June 1923 Frederick went to sea in 1939 following an education at Sir Roger Manwood’s Grammar School in Sandwich. During the war he served with the RFA in the Ennerdale and Airsprite during which time he was torpedoed twice in the Atlantic. In 1957 he became a Trinity House London (West) pilot where he served until 1985 when he retired after a near drowning whilst trying to board an outward bound vessel at Gravesend. He recounted that whilst being pumped out he experienced the “out of body” phenomena of looking down upon himself on the operating table! A keen sportsman, Frederick played cricket for the pilots’ team and was a football season ticket holder with Charlton Athletic Football Club. He was also a member of Gravesend Lions Club for 24 years. Married for 50 years Frederick leaves behind his widow and three sons.

Submitted by Donald McLean Secretary, Trinity House, Channel Pilots’ Association