About Rex Wailes
Lived 1901 – 1986 (aged 84). Rex Wailes was a British engineer and historian.
Reginald "Rex" Wailes OBE, FSA, F I Mech E (6 March 1901 – 7 January 1986) was an English engineer and historian who published widely on aspects of engineering history and industrial archaeology, particularly on windmills and watermills.
Wailes was born at Hadley Wood on 6 March 1901, the son of Reginald and Florence Wailes; his father was a mechanical engineer. He was educated at Oundle School before becoming an engineering apprentice at Robey's of Lincoln.
He served as president of the Newcomen Society, 1953 to 1955, and was elected as an honorary member in 1977.
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Rex Wailes?
English historian (1901–1986)
When was Rex Wailes born?
Rex Wailes was born on 6 March 1901 in Hadley Wood.
When did Rex Wailes die?
Rex Wailes died on 7 January 1986 in Beaconsfield.
What was Rex Wailes's occupation?
Rex Wailes was an engineer and historian.
What nationality was Rex Wailes?
Rex Wailes was British.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Rex Wailes. https://biography.guide/rex-wailes/
MLA: "Rex Wailes." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/rex-wailes/.
Chicago: "Rex Wailes." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/rex-wailes/.
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