Reginald Edward Stradling, 1891-1952

Abstract

Reginald Edward Stradling, the only son of Edward John Stradling, was born in Bristol on 12 May 1891. His earliest education at Merry wood Secondary School was followed by four years at Bristol Grammar School, then under the Headmastership of Dr Cyril Norwood. During his later school years it was Stradling’s wish to become a physician and throughout his life he maintained an interest in the work of the medical profession, especially, as might be expected, in its research aspects. Even at this early stage his personal leanings towards research showed themselves in a curiosity to know what ‘made the wheels go round’ in living creatures and a lot of his time was spent in dissecting such small animals as were available. It was felt, rightly or wrongly, that the myopia from which he suffered might prove a serious hindrance to a successful medical career and he decided to become a civil engineer, or perhaps more exactly at that time, a surveyor, since in 1909 he was awarded a scholarship to the newly founded University of Bristol by the Surveyors Institution (now the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). One of the conditions of this scholarship was that the holder should, in due course, qualify as a professional surveyor by passing the examinations of the Institution, and throughout his undergraduate life it was Stradling’s intention to do so at the earliest possible moment after taking his degree, although his mind very soon became set on civil engineering. The 1914-1918 war, however, made this impracticable and on his return from active service the Surveyors Institution generously released him from his obligation, and he was free to concentrate upon the profession of his more mature choice.