William Aitken Haslam (1880-1952)
The Rev William Aitken Haslam
William Aitken Haslam had been born on 18 April 1880 at Highbury, north London, where his father John was a lecturer at Christchurch (1876-80).
He was educated at South Eastern College, Ramsgate, a Church of England public school (later called St Lawrence College) between 1892 and 1899. Admitted to Pembroke College, Cambridge, in October 1899, he graduated BA in 1902 and was awarded an MA degree during 1907. Having attended Ripon Clergy College, William was ordained Deacon 1903 and Priest 1904.
He was an early motoring enthusiast, owning cars and motor cycles from 1903 and undertaking all mechanical maintenance himself to develop a technical and practical knowledge of internal combustion engines.
In 1904 he became curate at St Martin of Tours, Epsom, residing as a bachelor in 16 Station Road. Next to the Parish Church stood Stoneleigh (later divided to become Stone House (59A) and 59) Church Street, Epsom, a house and garden, owned by the Pagden Brewery but occupied by Charles Stubbs (1850–1931). William came to court the latter's daughter Mary Frances Stubbs (1884–1956).
The young couple's marriage at St Giles, Ashtead, was registered in Epsom 6/1908 with a reception held at Charles Stubbs’ new home, Cranham, 19 Woodfield Lane, Ashtead. Among notable guests were Sir Thomas & Lady Bucknill and Rev E. W. and Mrs Northey. Their wedding photograph may be viewed on Stubbs Family History. As a novelty, the newly-weds left by car to tour the West Country on honeymoon.
William had recently taken up a new post at St George the Martyr, Battersea. About this time he had also become a volunteer in the London Militia to serve with the Special Reserve. Within a year he has moved on to become Curate of St Mary Magdalene, Wandsworth Common, 1909-11, followed by Long Ditton between 1911-16.
During 1911 Rev Haslam became a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society pursuing a practical interest in astronomy.
On 10 October 1916 he was commissioned from the Special Reserve as a 2nd Lieutenant in the R.F.C. and from that date was 'ostracised from all ecclesiastical matters' in his Parish! William then trained as a military pilot.
During December 1915 the RFC had commandeered buildings belonging to the University of Reading first for the purpose of training flight instructors. On 27 October 1916, however the school was expanded to include cadet pilot and observer training, and designated No 1 School of Military Aeronautics. The school provided preliminary training for cadets and taught theoretical aspects of flight; including map reading, gunnery and mechanics.
On the 21st Course, William passed his pilot's examination in March 1917. He flew Maurice Farmans MF7 Longhorns and Avros until the following July when posted to Lympne Aircraft Acceptance Park, a unit that became No.8 AAP on 12 October. He was in the Inspection Department as assistant officer i/c of engine installation, testing and tuning all types. (Malcom Campbell was a colleague i/c despatch.) Having been promoted Lieutenant, technical, without pay and allowances, on 11 April 1918 he served in that position up to 6 August 1919.
On 27 August 1919 Haslam patented 'A device for preventing the theft or unauthorized movement of aeroplanes &c...' This early version of a crook-lock manufactured by H(erbert) F(raser) Foster & Co, Ashley Works, Epsom, was fitted to Gregoire Campbell sporting cars marketed by Capt. Malcom Campbell.
Throughout her husband's military service Mrs Haslam lived with her parents in Cranham, Ashtead. On demobilisation William had returned to the Church becoming a curate in St Giles parish until 1921.
Rev Haslam then succeeded Rev Neville Stiff (who moved to Christ Church, Epsom) as Vicar of St Agnes, Hampton Park, Southampton, for the following seven years. Lastly he transferred in 1928 to Brockenhurst remaining Vicar there until his death in 1952.
He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital Dover, aged 72, returning from a mountaineering holiday in Switzerland. At his funeral in Brockenhurst William was described a a genial figure, who had toured streets playing a barrel organ to raise funds for worthy causes: a man whose versatile achievements included conjuring (his sleight of hand allowing him to beat 'card sharpers'), astronomy & play-writing.