Tributes to war veteran
A Selsey war veteran who ‘served his country with honour’ was remembered as ‘a lovely, loyal and kind man’ following his death, aged 93.
Tributes have been paid to a well-loved war veteran, whose ‘ wonderful’ personality ‘radiated warmth and affection’.
Leslie (Les) Howland died in August at the age of 93, having lived in Selsey, with his wife Eileen, since 1972.
Described by his widow as a ‘lovely, loyal and kind man’, Les had a very wide circle of friends in Selsey, who were ‘attracted to his warm and fun-loving personality’.
A eulogy, put together by the celebrant at Les’ funeral, Simon Walsh read: “Les had many hobbies. He played gold at the Selsey Golf Club but his particular expertise was bowling at the Crablands Bowling Club. He served on the bowls committees and helped build the new pavilion at the club.”
Les, who chaired the Selsey Camera Club as well as the short mat bowling section of Crablands from 2004 until 2016, ‘was always friendly and approachable’.
Born in Middlesex on September 19, 1926, Les left school in 1940 whilst the Second World War was ‘ in
full swing’. His first job was a general labourer for a small building company before going on to drive lorries as a haulier. He was ‘keen to serve his country’ and signed up at the age of 17, joining the ‘Seaforth Highland Regiment’. His eulogy continued: “Les was a quick learner and was always keen to get stuck in, learning the ropes very quickly. His skill and expertise in driving large lorries even at a tender age placed him well for logistical activities and manoeuvres in the army. He was then posted to Germany where he would
be assigned to transport prisoners of war. Les served his country with honour.”
Les, who had four younger brothers, met Eileen, his future wife, whilst in a Brentford café in 1948.
“He saw her standing at a bus stop opposite and he said to his friend, ‘that’s the girl I’m going to marry’.”
They married five years later on March 28, 1953.
Les continued driving lorries until 1962 before it was suggested that, because of his expansive knowledge of UK road systems, that he take up a role as a taxi driver in London. Les soon became complaints officer for the company Computer Cabs.
He carried on commuting to London after moving with his wife, in the winter of 1972, to Selsey, where they had previously enjoyed ‘so many holidays’ owning a caravan in Green Lawns from 1964-68.
Eileen, who, with her husband, hadcelebratedtheir 67th wedding anniversary on March 29, thanked the people who sent ‘such lovely cards and letters’ in memory of Les.
Les’ eulogy continued: “He was kind and sympathetic, caring and considerate with a lovely manner about him.
“Les will forever be remembered for his quiet, bright, strong, solid, independent, fun loving, kind-hearted and generous spirit.”