Sedgeford Aerodrome 1918

[Cazza47]

I believe this picture is of Harold Roe, who's son Keith died in the second world war, and other son Rex went on to be quite high up in the RAF. Could anyone tell me a little about this picture, type of plane, rank of Harold. Harold was my father's Uncle.
On the back of the photograph it says Sedgeford Aerodrome May 1918
Thank you.

[Flakdodger]

Hi Cazza,
the gentleman is wearing Lieutenant's uniform, with pilot's wings. According to the date of the photo, May 1918, the RAF had recently been formed and during this period RFC and RNAS uniforms were still to be seen in abundance. The RAF equivalent rank to Lieutenant was Flying Officer.
The aircraft is an Airco DH9 (not to be confused with the later Liberty engined DH9A).
The rear cockpit has been stripped of a gunner's Scarff Ring and appears to be configured for a forward facing, sitting, occupant. Suggesting the the aircraft is in use as a trainer.
A quick check of RAF training units of the period and Sedgeford throws up No 9 Training Squadron, which was based there January to August 1918.
Hope this helps,
Dave

[Cazza47]

Thank you Dave for your help.
Very interesting, as yet I know very little about Harold Roe, but now thanks to you, I know a bit more.
Carol

[mmm45]

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=8259519&queryType=1&resultcount=1

Could this be him? Harold Dadley Roe? His records available to download above.
Looks like he has two wound stripes on jacket...there should be info on London Gazette and also Flight International Archives both online.

If it is this lad he was originally a Sergeant in the Public Schools Battalion of Middlesex Regiment and later commisioned into RAF.

Also was he born at Kildwick near Keighley? Theres a photo of a Harry Roe in Aero-Club of GB pilots licences on Ancestry

Ady

[DeeBoneham]

I think you will find Ady has the right of it.  Just looked on Ancestry and there is a H D Roe who was born in 1895 in Fulham, London area who also has a WW1 medal record. His Middx service number is PS/1229 and it says RAF 2nd Lt (not a coincidence then). He was a survivor as he went to war in November 1915.  Would it seem right that he died in 1948 in Wandsworth? There is also a record for a TA which matches his details with a pension record  (6 pages) attached. If it is him he joined that when he was 17 (1912)! If it is him his service number is 1543 (and he was in the Cadet Corp even before that!)... He was discharged early 1914.
NOK W ? C Roe, 20 Western Gardens, Ealing...
There is someone who has this person on their family tree so maybe a distant relation?
Dee

[Cazza47]

Thank you for all this great information.
The Harold Roe I am looking for married a Annie Routledge in 1917, they had two sons Keith and Rex who both went into RAF and also a daughter Vera.
I will check out all this information.

Carol

[MA55]

This picture is of my grandfather! My Grandmother was Annie Routledge. I have a couple of very similar ones of him with his biplane. My Father was Rex Roe who did indeed become and Air Chief Marshall in the RAF and was twice knighted. I would be fascinated to find out more about the family, including the connection to AV Roe - was related to my grandfather I believe.
Maggie

[Flakdodger]

Maggie,
welcome to Rootschat.
Lovely photo, and a relaxed pose.
The aircraft is a Martinsyde Elephant, in case you did not know.
Regards
Dave

[Cazza47]

Hi Maggie,
This is amazing. My father Brian Muckley was your father's cousin, he often talks about his cousins Rex, Keith and Vera. My brother is called Keith after your Uncle. About a month ago my father gave me a bunch of photo's, mostly with nothing on the back, unfortunately my father did not know many of the people which has been fustrating. The members of this forum have been amazing, if you check out my other posts, you will see what I have been finding out. I started with a picture of a house, no idea where it was, but with generous help I found out it was 53 Hartwood Road in Southport, which was unfortunately destroyed by a bomb in 1940. I have only been researching for a couple of months but I found out that your Grandmother Annie's, and my Grandmother Nora's Aunt Sarah Elizabeth Routledge left the house to her sister Margaret Ellen Routledge in 1937. I have been researching the Routledge side and have several pictures of a distinguished looking gentleman, one with Rex and Keith when they were boys. I am wondering if this would be Annie's father Frederick Arthur Routledge, would you know about this?  For some reason Annie and Nora both ended up getting married in Ormskirk even though they both lived and were brought up in Carlisle.
Maybe you would know some of the people in my photo's if you have similar ones.
Carol