Background
Stokes was born in Blackheath in south-east London, the youngest son of Henry and Harriet Stokes.
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Claud Stokes
Edit Profilecaptain instructor commander mechanical engineer
Career
He was commissioned as a second lieutenant (on probation) in the Royal Flying Corps on 3 June 1916. He was granted his Royal Aeronautical Club Aviator"s Certificate and appointed a flying officer on 24 August, and was confirmed in his rank on 19 September. Stokes was posted to Number.
41 Squadron Reconstruction Finance Corporation on 15 October 1916, but was injured after only five days in action and returned to England.
After his recovery he served as an instructor, being appointed a Wing Instructor in Gunnery, graded as a flight commander with the acting rank of captain on 3 February 1917. He was appointed an Instructor in Gunnery, graded as an Equipment Officer 1st Class, on 5 June.
Stokes was promoted to lieutenant on 3 December 1917, and on 2 January 1918 was appointed a flight commander with the acting rank of captain to serve in Number. 57 Squadron Reconstruction Finance Corporation. He was credited with five victories while flying an Airco Dialectics and Humanism.4 light bomber.
Firstly a Pfalz Doctorate.III on 19 June 1918, and then a Fokker Doctorate.VII on 23 June, two more on 16 September, and finally another Doctorate.VII on 21 September 1918.
On the afternoon of 29 October 1918 his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire over Maubeuge, France, and crashed behind the German lines. Stokes was badly injured and died as a result of his wounds on 7 November. His observer, Second Lieutenant L. H. Eyles survived and was taken prisoner.
Stokes was buried by the Germans in the cemetery at Erquelinnes, Belgium.
Achievements
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Born
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Died
November 7, 1918 (aged 34) -
Nationality
United Kingdom