Born in 1897 at Woodford, only son of Woodford Borough Councillor Joseph (Accountant with Accountancy Firm) and Lucy Shephard. 1911: With his family at Rose Bank Villa Gordon Road, South Woodford.
An Employee at the City Branch of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, he joined the Inns of Court OTC in November 1916. April 1917 saw him transfer to the Royal Flying Corps as a Cadet, and attend the flying school at Reading University. Commissioned from 20th April 1917, he passed out at the end of six weeks and gained his wings in August 1917.
Such was his skill as a Pilot that rather than being posted to an operational squadron, he became an Instructor at the Central Flying School, Upavon, Wiltshire. On Saturday 17th February 1918 he was airborne with a student when their aircraft suddenly nose dived to the ground, killing both men.
His funeral was held at the Woodford Union Church, with which the family had been associated for many years. The Council was represented by James Hawkey and the Clerk Mr. Simpson among others.
The Guard of Honour and Bearers were formed from patients at Highams Military Hospital.
During his sermon, the Rev. Lintern referred to the deceased’s gift for artwork, and liking for birds and butterflies.
Research by Adrian Lee, Local Historian
Sources:
Ancestry.com
Woodford Times
For more information on this individual please see The Old Bancroftian website.