Wilfred Stokes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wilfrid Stokes
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Stokes with one of his Mortars (1916-1918)
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| Born | 9 April 1860 Liverpool, England
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| Died | 7 February 1927 (aged 66) Ruthin, Wales
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| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | Catholic University College, Kensington |
| Occupation | Civil Engineer |
| Known for | Inventing the Stokes Mortar |
| Spouse(s) | Iren Ionides |
| Relatives | Richard Stokes, nephew |
Sir Frederick Wilfrid Scott Stokes (born April 9, 1860 – died February 7, 1927) was a clever British engineer. He is best known for inventing the Stokes Mortar in 1915. This special weapon was used a lot during the second half of the First World War. It was one of the first mortars that soldiers could easily carry.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Wilfrid Stokes was born in Liverpool, England, on April 9, 1860. His father, Scott Nasmyth Stokes, worked as a school inspector. Wilfrid went to school at St. Francis Xavier's College in Liverpool. He also studied at the Catholic University College, Kensington.
Building a Career
After finishing his studies, Stokes started working for the Great Western Railway. This was like an apprenticeship, where he learned practical skills. Later, he became an assistant to William Shelford. He helped design bridges for the Hull and Barnsley Railway.
Stokes became a civil engineer. This means he designed and built things like roads, bridges, and buildings. He was also the chairman and managing director of a company called Ransomes & Rapier. This engineering company was in Ipswich and made cranes.
Inventing the Stokes Mortar
During the First World War, Wilfrid Stokes worked for the government. He was part of the Inventions Branch of the Ministry of Munitions. Between 1915 and 1918, he invented the Stokes Mortar.
This new trench mortar was first used in 1915. It helped soldiers fire smoke shells during the Battle of Loos. At first, soldiers did not like it much. But as the design got better, it became very popular. It was eventually made in two different sizes. Other British engineers kept improving the mortar over time.
Awards and Recognition
Wilfrid Stokes received a special honor in 1917. He was made a knight for inventing the mortar. This is why he is called "Sir" Wilfrid Stokes. The mortar was named after him because of his invention.
He also received money from the Ministry of Munitions. He got royalties of £1 for each Stokes mortar bomb that was made.
Family and Legacy
Stokes married Iren Ionides in 1899. He is buried at St Mary Magdalen Roman Catholic Church, Mortlake.
His brother, Leonard Stokes, was a famous architect. His nephew, Richard Stokes, later became a politician. He served as a Labour Member of Parliament (MP) and a government minister.
See also
- Stokes Mortar
Images for kids
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Wilfrid Stokes's burial place
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