Royal Air Force
Serjeant Frederick George Pay | War Casualty Details 402755 | CWGC
Baptism
Frederick George Pay was baptised on 2nd June 1889 at St. Mary’s Felpham. His parents were Harry, a Labourer, and Maria.
1891 census
The census shows Harry, 36, Gardener Domestic, Maria 35, Bessie A, 13, a Scholar, Ernest, 9, also a scholar, and Frederick G, 1. Frederick is the only one born in Felpham. They lived between Church Cottage and the (old) Post Office.
1901 census
The census shows Harry, 44, Gardener Domestic, Maria 45, Bessie A, 23, and Frederick G, 11. No trace of Ernest has yet been found. The address is shown as Church Cottage.
Frederick George Pay, age 21 and a Clerk and Gladys Stinchcombe, age 20, were married at the Parish Church, South Bersted on 27th March 1910. His father, Harry, a Gardener, her father, Moses, is shown as a builder.
1911 census
By 1911 Frederick George and Daisy Gladys were living at 3, Mead Cottage, Brewery Road, Bognor
Soldiers Effects
672255 E/699913 Pay Frederick George RAF 41st Training Depot Stn. Sgt.37552
17.10.18 County of Middx. War Hosp. Napsbury St. Albums 20.5.19 Wid. Daisy G. £7.Os 4d
War Gratuity 7.5.20 Wid. Daisy G.£8.15s 0d (Last entry)
These training depots were vital in building a skilled and efficient workforce to support aviation operations during the war.
The purpose of these training depots during World War I was to prepare and train personnel for aviation-related roles. These depots played a crucial role in developing skilled aviators and ground crew members. Here are some key functions they served:
1. Basic Training: Training depots provided basic instruction to new recruits, covering essential skills such as aircraft handling, navigation, and communication.
2. Specialized Training: Depots offered specialized training for specific roles, including pilots, observers, and mechanics. Pilots received flight training, while observers learned navigation, reconnaissance, and aerial photography.
3. Maintenance and Repair: Ground crew members were trained in aircraft maintenance and repair, ensuring that planes remained operational and safe.
4. Adaptation to New Aircraft: As new aircraft models were introduced, depots facilitated the transition by training personnel on the latest technology.
5. Operational Readiness: The ultimate goal was to ensure that personnel were operationally ready for combat or other aviation duties.
Burials at St. Mary’s Felpham
Frederick George Pay, October 22nd 1918, Age 29, (last but one entry)
Abode County of Middlesex War Hospital Napsbury & Golf Links Avenue,
Wikipedia:
During the First World War, Napsbury was used for and known as the County of Middlesex War Hospital, which treated wounded soldiers. Following the war, the hospital was returned to its original purpose.
Graves Registration Report Form
Place of Burial Cemetery Felpham Churchyard
R.A.F. 37552 Sgt. F.G. E. Grave 191 Ancient Churchyard (Last entry)
Felpham Churchyard
11921A 37552 SERJEANT F.G. PAY ROYAL AIR FORCE 17TH OCTOBER 1918
PRIVATE MEMORIAL GRAVE 191 6
Imperial War Graves Commission
Personal inscriptions
None given
(F.G.Pay Esq., Church Farm Dairy, Felpham, Sussex) (4th entry).
Index to St. Mary’s churchyard Felpham
PAY, Serjt., F.G., 37552. Royal Air Force. Died of pneumonia 17th Oct. 1918
Age 29. Son of Harry and Maria Pay; husband of Mrs F.G. Pay, of Cheds (sic) Farm Dairy, Felpham. Born at Felpham. 191. At West end.
