Frank was born in Charlton Kings, Gloucestershire on 16th July 1891. His father was married to Ada .
Upon completing his school education Frank embarked on a naval career, joining the training ship HMS Ganges at Portsmouth. He served on HMS India then returned to his parents in Cheltenham.
On the outbreak of the Second World War, Frank was re-called to the Service being posted to HMS Badger. This was a shore station at Parkstone Quay, Harwich which served as a base for minesweepers operating along the North Sea Coast and Thames Estuary.
On the 26th December 1940 Able Seaman Frank Clapham was onboard H.M. Minesweeper Attendant Craft 5 which had been converted from a motor torpedo boat. It hit a mine and as a result of the explosion sank with the loss of Frank and three other crew
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