Baynton Hippisley
Richard John Baynton (aka Bayntun) Hippisley, born 4 July 1865
Educated at Rugby and Faraday House (sic) where he studied engineering and maths.
Became an apprentice at Thorn Engineering where he completed his training in electrical and mechanical engineering.
1898 inherited Ston Easton House on the death of his grandfather.
Gazetted 2nd Lt in the North Somerset Yeomanry
1907 High Sheriff of Somerset [1].
1908 Became Honorary Lt Col.
Baynton, as he was known, was interested in wireless telegraphy and worked at the Lizard where he picked up messages from the Titanic.
WWI On the outbreak of the First World War he, together with Edward Clarke told the Admiralty code breakers that they were receiving signals from the German Navy on a lower wavelength than was currently being received by the existing Marconi stations. The two amateurs were given permission to set up a listening post at Hunstanton, the highest point nearest the German coast.
1914 Baynton was appointed Commander RNVR and subsequently set up listening posts across the UK, Italy and Malta.
It was reported that because of the work done by Baynton it was possible for the RA to predict Zeppelin raids as they could hear the orders given to get the Zeppelins out of their sheds prior to a raid.
1956 Died[2]