Fighter ace remembered ahead of Battle of Britain wreath-laying

CEREMONIES all over the country mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain this weekend, but many readers may not be aware of the heroic contribution of one of the town's own.

Sergeant-Pilot Horatio 'Ray' Chandler was born and bred in Bexhill, working in the well-known London Road print works before and after his stint with the RAF.

Here, author and air historian Norman Franks, 70, of The Ridings, tells the story of Ray's life, including the Battle of Britain skirmishes leading to his Distinguished Flying Cross.

"Being a historian I was always interested in anyone local to Bexhill," said Norman. "I was intrigued with the fact that Ray and I were related through my aunt. I thought it was such a shame I'd never been able to get hold of him.

"But I managed to track down his daughter, and find this picture and some information. I just dug it out, really.

"I thought local people might like to read about one of their own."

Historian's words

THIS year sees the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and the start of the German Blitz on this country writes Norman Franks.