Known as Bill, he was born in Southampton and his family moved to the Isle of Wight when he was 12. He was a keen Boy Scout and by 15 was a King's Sea Scout with the 1st Sandown Group. After school he started an apprenticeship with J Samuel White, the shipbuilders at Cowes. This was interrupted by his service during the First World War but completed on his return. He then joined the British India line for two years working in India and Africa.
On his return he set up an engineering company with premises initially in George Street then Albert Road. During the war, in partnership with fellow Auxilier Adrian Le Maitre, they produced parts for aircraft including the Spitfire
Ewart married Ruby Bartlett in 1923 and they had three daughters. She died in 1952 and five years later he married Kathleen Harvey. He lived to the age of 101, attributing his long life to keeping active, a daily glass of Guinness and his wife's soup. His daughter described him as a man of integrity, who had the ability to give advice and inspiraiton to all who were close to him.
He was Scout Leader until his retirement. The Rover Scout crew provided the basis of the Auxiliary Fire Service and also the Sandown Auxiliary Units Patrol.
| Unit or location | Role | Posted from | until |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandown Patrol | Patrol Leader | 14 Aug 1941 | 31 Dec 1944 |
Sandown Secondary School
Mechanical engineer
In 1939 he was recorded as being in the Auxiliary Fire Service. The Sandown Fire Brigade Roll of Honour records that he was a member of the Crescent Road Section from 1939-1941, along with Ken Hooper and Edgar Moorman, who were also patrol members. The detailed records kept by the Fire Service show that they had frequent call outs, at times more than twice daily, in addition to training sessions and duty shifts supporting the Sandown Fire Brigade. They also record that Rapkins, who wore glasses, was issued with Mark III Spectacles, a type officially issued to be worn with a gas mask, on 8 Aug 1941. Also that he resigned but did not return these prescription glasses (no doubt as they would remain useful for service with the Auxiliary Units for wear under his service respirator).
He was promoted to Lieutenant 5 Sep 1944, shortly before the stand down of Auxiliary Units.
During the war he was also active as a Scoutmaster.
TNA ref WO199/3391,
1939 Register,
Hancock data held at B.R.A
Sandown Fire Brigade Roll of Honour
Isle of Wight County Press 9 Apr 1999