Royal Flying Corps Officers Billeted Out 1915-18

[RFCHistory]

This is one - perhaps - for the descendants of those citizens of Birmingham who between 1915 and 1918 would be regarded as well-to do.

There was a permanent shortage of accommodation for officers at Castle Bromwich aerodrome and many of them were billeted out on the local population, mainly in Erdington so far as I can tell but certainly further afield too.

There is anecdotal evidence from the officers' point of view. A group of Canadian officers speak of the cold, the lack of heating, the ever present cup of tea, the rush to the end of the road to be picked up by the Tender - woe betide them if they missed it.

I don't know how "picky" the authorities were when it came to selecting suitable accommodation. For instance, where did they put someone like The Hon. Maynard Greville?

But my question is, what was the experience of the hosts?

We're into family folklore, memories handed down, and - ever hopeful - perhaps some photos?

 

[Morturn]

I think this photo was posted on a face book group some time back so cannot validate its location, or date but the file name is suggestion its Castle Brom Airfield and looks like the temporary wartime accommodation that was in Spring Lane Erdington.

 

[Morturn]

Ok got it. It’s a photo from the Bill Dargue website, a Birmingham historian who had spent years researching. It’s a super site.

Its looks like his research is post WWI so maybe not be any use in this case, but here a link for completeness.

 

[RFCHistory]

These extracts from the Erdington News illustrate the kind of anecdote I had in mind. Lt. W.L. Robinson learned to fly at Castle Bromwich and was billeted in Erdington while doing so.

9/9/16 ERDINGTON NOTES

“Hearty congratulations to the Royal Flying Corps on having trained the officer who brought to destruction the murderous Zeppelin near London the other day.

Lieutenant W.L. Robinson, the officer in question – upon whom His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to confer the V.C. for conspicuous bravery on the occasion – is well known in Erdington, having during a former stay in these parts, resided with Mr. and Mrs. George Winnall, of “Rosevale”, Sutton Road.”



16/9/16 ERDINGTON NOTES

“Reference was made in these notes, last week, to the interesting fact that Lieutenant W.L. Robinson, the V.C. hero of the recent Zeppelin destruction, was formerly a resident with Mr. and Mrs. George Winnall, of “Rosevale”, Sutton Road, endearing himself to all with whom he came into contact.

His hostess, it may be interesting to record – and he could have had no more graceful, motherly, or hospitable one – describes Lieutenant Robinson as a “jolly boy”.

He was a teetotaller and a non-smoker, immensely interested in his work and very keen.

Lieutenant Robinson lived in Sutton Road for 17 weeks and left early in February. Outside his work, he was very fond of music, and could sing a good song. Some of his belongings are still at Erdington.”

 

[RFCHistory]

Ok got it. It’s a photo from the Bill Dargue website, a Birmingham historian who had spent years researching. It’s a super site.

Its looks like his research is post WWI so maybe not be any use in this case, but here a link for completeness.

Thank you. Yes, i'd seen that photo before but forgotten about it! My understanding was that it was one of the huts actually on the aerodrome - formerly on-site accommodation for officers or other ranks - which came into civilian use post-war as a temporary solution to Birmingham's chronic housing shortage.

 

[RFCHistory]

It have found another thread here to do with all the lovely big houses that once lined Sutton Road. Lots of photos but the houses themselves not identified. I believe that the "Rosevale" mentioned earlier in the extract from the Erdington News was No.58 Sutton Road. Is the house among those photos?