Air Mechanic Reginald Cuthbert Meaton (1886-1965) was living in Wickhamford in the immediate post-war period.
Reginald enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps (No 15205), as an Air Mechanic 2nd Class, on 16th November 1915. At enlistment, his occupation was given as a cook. He was promoted to Air Mechanic 1st Class on 1st March 1916. He was sent to France on 18th December 1915 and remained there until November 1917. He transferred to the newly formed R.A.F. on 1st April 1918 and was posted to 126 Squadron.
He married Millicent Gertrude Pethard in 1914, in Wandsworth, and whilst resident in Wickhamford they had a son, Reginald John Meaton, baptised in the church on 20th January 1919. At this time the boy’s father’s occupation was recorded as ‘journalist’. The Meatons may well have just been visiting Millicent’s family, as the baby’s birth had been registered in Ipswich, Suffolk. He was moved to the R.A.F. Reserve on 27th April 1919 and finally discharged on 30th April 1920. He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, Victory and British War Medals.