Private Robert A Tappin

Robert Alfred Tappin from Bow, London, was the son of Edward James and Edith Tappin, of Islington, London. He enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment 5 October 1937 aged just 17. Before this his service records state he was a shop assistant. He then volunteered for airborne forces, and was eligible for 'Para Pay' from 24 October 1941. He was 'jump' trained near Delhi in India.

Private Tappin was then posted to 151 which became 156 Battalion, HQ Coy. He took part in Operation Market Garden (Arnhem). Before going to Arnhem he saw service in Egypt, N. Africa and Italy. His records state:

Middle East (Delhi) 4 November 1942 to 1 August 1943.

N. Africa 2 August to 10 December 1943.

NW Europe 18 September 1944. 

Robert flew into Arnhem on 17 September 1944. He was part of HQ Company. The OC of this Company was Major MS Page, who was KIA 20 September. Robert was also was killed in action a day later, on 21 September 1944, aged 24. He was given a field burial in a mass grave near Van Tienhovenlaan, west of Sportlaan, Oosterbeek, and was reinterred to Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery on 13 August 1945. Grave  Ref:  6. C. 9.