Halford, WHL
(1899 - 1918)
Key Facts
DATE OF BIRTH:
20th November 1899
YEARS ATTENDED THE COLLEGE:
1912 - 1915
HOME ADDRESS WHEN AT THE COLLEGE:
Woodlands, Manor Way, Beckenham
REGIMENT
Royal Air Force
FINAL RANK:
2nd Lieutenant
DATE OF DEATH:
28th September 1918
AGE AT DEATH:
18
WHERE HE DIED (or was wounded)
Ypres
LOCATION OF GRAVE OR MEMORIAL:
Arras Flying Services Memorial
2nd Lieutenant William Henry Loffill Halford
William was born on November 20th 1899, the younger son of Charles Henry Halford, a Beckenham resident. He started at the College at the beginning of 1912, not long after his twelfth birthday, and stayed for very nearly four years, leaving at Christmas 1915. After leaving he went out to Canada for eighteen months, during which time he took a course in motor engineering at London, Ontario.
Upon his return to England in August 1917 he joined up in the forces, and by that November was a Cadet in the Royal Naval Air Service. The following June he was granted a commission in the newly created Royal Air Force and went to France very shortly after. He joined up with the 202nd Squadron as an Observer, and for the next several months was constantly engaged in action. On September 28th, the first day of the major engagement at Ypres, his machine was one of three who were flying six miles behind enemy lines when they were swarmed by around 25 German planes. Neither he, nor his plane, were seen again, and he was later officially declared to have perished in the action.
