King Edward’s School and the Great War

Raymond Gascoyne Ottey, born on the 19th April 1889, was admitted to King Edward’s School in January 1902. He lived with his widowed father, Thomas, a retired chemist, at 82, Hagley Road, Edgbaston. Later the pair moved to Burton-upon-Trent, but at sometime during the war, after a short stay in London, Raymond returned to Edgbaston taking up residence at 70, Portland Road.

At School, Raymond was a described as a “plucky” and “skilful” gymnast, placing second in the 1905 School tournament with only his jumping denying him first position. He was credited with exceptional ability “for such a little fellow”. His talents also extended to the musical field, where “his beautiful voice was heard to great advantage in Dr Elgar’s well known patriotic song ‘Land of Hope and Glory.’” He did not excel at academic subjects but was particularly strong at drawing, being positioned second in his class.

After School, Raymond trained as an architect before volunteering for The Artists Rifles Officer Training Corps, which later evolved into the SAS (Special Air Service). He gained a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Leicestershire Regiment, later becoming attached to the Royal Flying Corps, 32nd Squadron. The Royal Aero Club Aviators’ Certificates confirm that Raymond trained in 1916 at the Military School, Grantham, Lincolnshire, in a Maurice Farman Biplane. He was reported missing in action, presumed killed, on the 28th July 1917, but the exact circumstances of his death are currently unknown. He is commemorated on the Arras Flying Service memorial, but he has no identified grave. Raymond’s estate, which totalled £189, was left to his father, Thomas.