Edward Percival Augustus TOPLEY

Family lived at 1 & 3 Ripon Road, Plumstead.  Born 6 November 1899 

Second Lieutenant

TOPLEY, Edward Percival Augustus

Born Monday 06 November 1899

Died on Wednesday 30 October 1918

Age 18


Serving with

29th Training Depot Station.

Royal Air Force

Service Number


Cemetery / Memorial

East Boldre (St. Paul) Churchyard

United Kingdom

Further information

Edward Percival Augustus Topley was born on 6th November 1899 in London.

He learnt to fly in a Caudron biplane at the Cambridge School of Flying before enlisting into the RAF on 3rd March 1918. He was commissioned on 1st April 1918, the same day the RAF was formed. He was posted to Uxbridge for flying training before being posted to the 29th Training Depot Station, Beaulieu to complete his training.

He died on his first day of training when his Sopwith Camel, stalled and span to the ground. (Click here for notes on the notorious flying characteristics of the Sopwith Camel).   

He is buried in St. Paul’s Churchyard, East Boldre.