11 Facts About Godfrey Paine

Godfrey Paine played a leading role in joint and naval flying training before and during the First World War.

Godfrey Marshall Paine was born on 21 November 1871, the fourth son of James Paine and his wife Henrietta Grace.

In 1903, Godfrey Paine was promoted to commander and later served as the executive officer on his old ship HMS Renown.

In 1907, Godfrey Paine was promoted captain and in 1909, he was appointed the Officer Commanding the Third Destroyer Flotilla.

The first four Royal Naval and Royal Marine officers who learnt to fly were borne on the books of Actaeon, and Godfrey Paine took a keen interest in their progress.

In 1912, Godfrey Paine was appointed as the first commandant of the Central Flying School at Upavon Aerodrome, so, before taking up this post, he learned to fly, being awarded Pilot's Licence No 217 on 15 May 1912.

The new unit was based at Cranwell, and Godfrey Paine was raised to the rank of commodore, first class, and sent there as its first commander.

Just over a year later, in early 1917, Godfrey Paine was appointed Fifth Sea Lord, making him responsible for all naval aviation.

Godfrey Paine was promoted to major general and appointed to the Air Council as Master-General of Personnel.

On his retirement from the RAF on 12 May 1920, Godfrey Paine was granted the rank of retired rear admiral.

Godfrey Paine died 23 March 1932, and was buried at sea off Nab Tower, Portsmouth.