Flt/Lt Ray Holmes

I would also like to add my condolences (belated though they are) to his family and raise a glass to yet another hero who has passed onto his eternal reward. Rest In Peace knowing you fought well and bravely and were victorious.

We as a family seem to get nothing but sad letters over these past few years telling us that yet another of our old friends, very many of them war veterans, has passed on. Time can be so cruel.

Coincidentially, I came across the late Mr.Holmes book in a second hand shop here in SE Ireland the other day and am in the process of reading it now.

It really is very very good, well written, witty and the story cracks along. I like the way photos are interspersed amongst the text pages and not in a block as is usual.

What’s even better is the fact that (1) It’s not second hand and (2) It only cost €4.99 and not the £12.99 Amazon are asking.

May he rest in peace…………..He will always be fondly remembered

Mr Holmes, Sir…….We Salute You!!!!!!!!! 🙂

Artie’s book on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1853108448/qid=1130947101/sr=8-4/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i4_xgl/202-0064704-5727813

Andy.

Have you guys read ‘Artie’ Holmes’ autobiography ? Brilliant. He flew Hurri’s with the Russians and did Photo Recce work in Spit’s.

He was never awarded a single decoration. I always wondered why ?? 🙁

Nice one. 🙂

Moggy

That link doesn’t appear to work for me 🙁

Honour for Ray Holmes

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/leicestershire/4398484.stm

Rest in Peace Mr. Holmes and Thank You.
My thoughts are with the family at this time of sadness.

As the numbers grow fewer it seems we feel the blow harder.

Duty, service, sacrifice and hardship through their early lives, we can only hope their deaths bring them eternal peace.

Sir, I sincerely hope you and your comrades are reunited and enjoying and reliving the happier moments in a celestial mess bar.

Thank you.

Kev35

Rest in peace Mr Holmes

Cheers Mr Holmes. I’d willingly have bought you the next pint.

Bye.

Moggy

Hear hear. 🙁

The following has been posted on the BoBHS board.

Cllr Jerry Williams, Wirral, Heritage Champion
Wirral Hero, Ray Holmes.

We have received news of the death of Ray Holmes. The flag outside Wirral Town Hall, at Wallasey is at half mast. At Full Council tonight, 66 elected members and Council Officer’s, held one minutes silence. As well as his R.A.F. career, Ray was a famous Wirralian/ Merseysider, who was known in all areas of life here.
I have known Ray for over 25 years, he never made a big issue of his war service. My thoughts for Ann, and all the family.
Sincerely,
Jerry Williams

In January, Ray wasgranted the freedom of the borough of Wirral. The council press release for the event can be found here http://www.wirral.gov.uk/events/PRshow.asp?PRId=1137&type=Press

Geoff.

Another true hero gone.

But will never be forgotten

R.I.P. mate, you Served your country Proud!!!!!!

Rest in peace ,Sir.

My condolensces and my heartfelt thanks to all of your generation from all services that gave us the freedom we take for granted.
May you all be at peace.

Cheers Mr Holmes. I’d willingly have bought you the next pint.

Bye.

Moggy

Hear Hear.
I’m not a great believer in an after life but, if there is one, tonight he may well be gathered round a piano with plenty of his old chums, being warmly welcomed, swapping yarns and shooting lines, with beer on free issue and has probably got a pretty WAAF on each arm by now ! 😀

May your God rest you Ray, you did well Sir.

Phil

Sad to hear another one of the few has left us, what a guy.

The programme last year was a Channel 5 special introduced by John Suchet , not a Time Team production.

One more rock in the solid foundation of his country. God bless, Mr Holmes.

What a guy…..modest and with a twinkle in his eye….a true British hero and role model….we salute you Sir.

Cheers Mr Holmes. I’d willingly have bought you the next pint.

Bye.

Moggy

Can anyone ask for a better epitaph? Wouldn’t mind that one myself (though not just yet thank you)

Sadly missed.

Adrian