My grandfather, Leslie Bates was born in Beethoven House Stourbridge on 27 September 1896, son of George William Bates, composer and organist and Sophia Jenkins.
He attended King Edward VI Grammar School before training as a fitter and turner and joining the Royal Naval Air Service in 1915 as a mechanic. Do readers have any idea where he had his technical training - and where Beethoven House is?
He was promoted to pilot in 1918 and flew missions in France. He specialised in stores and equipment, and eventually became director of Equipment for the RAF.
I’d love to hear more about Stourbridge before WW1.
Celia Clark 8 Florence Road Southsea Po5 2NE 02392 732912
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