Hythe retiree still Battling for Britain.

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Royal British Legion. Ray Howland, 90 year old World War II veteran and resident at McCarthy & Stone's Laurel Court development in Cheriton, encourages people to get behind the retirement developer's latest initiative aimed at raising thousands of pounds for the military charity in the latest example of his lifelong commitment to public service.

Born and educated in Hythe, Ray started work as a telegram boy for the Post Office and joined the local Territorial Army as part of the 75th Anti Aircraft Regiment of the Royal Artillery.

With the outbreak of the Second World War, Ray and the Folkestone 223rd Battery were called to active service. At the age of 19, he was part of an anti aircraft gun crew responsible for protecting Dover's docks from enemy bombers, where he continued to serve throughout the Battle of Britain.

Ray recalls one his most vivid memories: "One day I remember visiting the regiment headquarters, which were located on the Western cliffs - the opposite side of Dover to where my gun crew was stationed. Suddenly, the docks came under a huge assault from German bombers and it dawned on me that my gun crew was one man short to operate effectively.

"With no time to spare, I jumped on my motorbike and rode as fast as I could to get to the gun pit. As I sped through Dover, bombs were dropping left, right and centre. I didn't have time to acknowledge the danger to myself - all I knew was that I had to make it back to my crew."

Later in the war, Ray was posted to Sierra Leone, West Africa, as part of a new African Artillery Regiment, the 66th Regiment of the Royal Artillery. He was then posted to Burma, where he served until victory was declared over Japan in August 1945.

Ray was highly decorated for his services throughout the Second World War and was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, Burma Star, Territorial Efficiency Service Medal, Defence Medal and War Medal.

After the War, Ray returned to work for the Post Office in his hometown, Hythe. He continued to work there until retirement and was awarded the Imperial Service Medal for long and meritorious service.

His public service did not stop there. In 1977 Ray became the Town Sergeant of Hythe, which gave him the responsibility for functions and civic ceremonies at the Town Hall. He was also entrusted with looking after Hythe's ceremonial gold maces.

In this capacity, he was present in 1979 for the Queen Mother's appointment as the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports.

Since retiring from this post, Ray has continued to support his local community by volunteer driving for the social services. He moved into Laurel Court in September 2008 and is very supportive of McCarthy and Stone's pledge to raise £30,000 for the Royal British Legion by April 2011.

Ray explains: "The Royal British Legion does so much good for both serving and ex-service people and their families. I was really pleased when I found out McCarthy & Stone would be supporting The Legion and I encourage you all to stop by and make a donation."

Wendy Slingo, sales and marketing director for McCarthy & Stone South East, comments: "To date we have raised £26,246.83. With the help of inspirational people such as Ray, we hope to exceed our target and contribute to a truly great cause."

Prices start from £139,950. To find out more about McCarthy & Stone and how the company is supporting the Royal British Legion, please visit Laurel Court, open Tuesday to Saturday from 10.30am to 5.00pm.

See Also: Property News (0), McCarthy & Stone Retirement (0), Laurel Court (0), Folkestone (0), Cheriton (0)