Name
Wilfred Lofts
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
09/08/1918
20
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Second Lieutenant
Royal Flying Corps
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 /15 Star, British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
AIRE COMMUNAL CEMETERY
IV.A.30
France
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Watford Grammar School Memorial, Watford Grammar School Book of Remembrance, Not on the Rickmansworth memorials, Amersham War Memorial, Buckinghamshire, King's Baptist Church Memorial, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, St Mary's Church Memorial, Amersham, Buckinghamshire
Pre War
Wilfred was born on the 29th of June 1898 in Rickmansworth the son of Alfred and Isabel (nee Hicks) Lofts. In 1901 the family including six children, two servants, and two visitors was in Rickmansworth High Street. Alfred was a Grocer and Provision Merchant.
Wilfred attended Watford Boys Grammar School from September 1905 to December 1914. In 1911 his family was still in Rickmansworth High Street.
On leaving school Wilfred became a Clerk at Lloyds Bank, Chesham. His effects totalled £184 15s 2d and probate was granted to his father on the 23rd of April 1919. Wilfred’s older brother, Bernard, was killed on the 16th of May 1915.
Wartime Service
Wilfred attested 19th July 1916 in Whitehall age 18, a Bank Clerk, joining as Private No G/58987 5th (Reserve) Battalion Royal Fusiliers.
He served at home and was appointed Lance Corporal on the 17th of July 1917. He was discharged on the 2nd of February 1918 having that day been granted a temporary commission as Second Lieutenant (on probation) in the Royal Flying Corps.
Wilfred was injured in a crash in May 1918. He was the pilot in another crash on the 9th of August 1918 and brought in dead to 39 Stationary Hospital. It is not clear whether this crash was the result of enemy action.
Additional Information
The published Watford Grammar School Book of Remembrance entry reads:
“LOFTS, WILFRED. School period: September, 1905, to December, 1914. Second Lieutenant, R.A.F. (48th Squadron). Joined Royal Fusiliers in June, 1916; obtained commission in R.A.F. in spring of 1918. Killed in action in France, 9th August, 1918. ”
Acknowledgments
Mike Collins
