Tributes to ‘warm and fun-loving’ war veteran from Selsey - ‘He served his country with honour’

Tributes have been paid to a well-loved war veteran, whose ‘wonderful’ personality ‘radiated warmth and affection’.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

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’.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A eulogy, put together by the celebrant at Les’ funeral, Simon Walsh read: “Les had many hobbies. He played golf at the Selsey Golf Club but his particular expertise was bowling at the Crablands Bowling Club, where his skills became noticed very early on, securing many cups and trophies over the years.

Les and Eileen celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on March 29Les and Eileen celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on March 29
Les and Eileen celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on March 29

“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 ‘at the tender age of 14’ whilst the Second World War was ‘in full swing’.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

His first job was a general labourer for a small building company before going on to drive lorries as a haulier.

When Les met Eileen, his future wife, whilst in a Brentford café in 1948, he said to his friend, ‘that’s the girl I’m going to marry’When Les met Eileen, his future wife, whilst in a Brentford café in 1948, he said to his friend, ‘that’s the girl I’m going to marry’
When Les met Eileen, his future wife, whilst in a Brentford café in 1948, he said to his friend, ‘that’s the girl I’m going to marry’

He was ‘keen to serve his country’ and signed up at the age of 17, joining the ‘Seaforth Highland Regiment’ and spent his initial training in Ireland and Scotland.

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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“He was then posted to Germany where he would be assigned to transport prisoners of war. Les served his country with honour.”

Les was ‘keen to serve his country’ and signed up at the age of 17, joining the ‘Seaforth Highland Regiment’ and spent his initial training in Ireland and Scotland.Les was ‘keen to serve his country’ and signed up at the age of 17, joining the ‘Seaforth Highland Regiment’ and spent his initial training in Ireland and Scotland.
Les was ‘keen to serve his country’ and signed up at the age of 17, joining the ‘Seaforth Highland Regiment’ and spent his initial training in Ireland and Scotland.

Les, who had four younger brothers, met Eileen, his future wife, whilst in a lorry driver’s café in Brentford 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, at a church in Brentford, on March 28, 1953.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Les continued driving lorries until 1962 before it was suggested that, because of his expansive knowledge of road systems in the UK, and in particular in London,  that he take up a role as a taxi driver in the a capital. 

Les, who had four younger brothers, left school in 1940 whilst the Second World War was ‘in full swing’Les, who had four younger brothers, left school in 1940 whilst the Second World War was ‘in full swing’
Les, who had four younger brothers, left school in 1940 whilst the Second World War was ‘in full swing’

Les’ eulogy read: “He had quite an astute mindset and became a union representative and mediator for lorry drivers across Britain.

“His calm, persuasive manner saw many potential conflicts between management and staff diffused because of his reasoning and ability to see both sides of the argument.”

Les soon became complaints officer for the company Computer Cabs.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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.

Les’ eulogy continued: “Les and Eileen were seasoned travellers throughout the UK and Europe, in particular France and Spain, through which they did so many coach holidays.

“Eileen commented that Les had quite a keen sense of humour, so much so, that she said, ‘he married me’.

“Some of Les’ greatest achievements were serving his country with honour during the Second World War and helping so many people fight for their rights as union members, quietly mediating and facilitating solutions with the management for lorry and taxi drivers alike.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Les was described as a ‘kind, sympathetic, caring and considerate’ man ‘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.

“We know Eileen will dearly miss his presence and him just being there for her.”

Eileen, who, with her husband, had celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on March 29, thanked the people who sent ‘such lovely cards and letters’ in memory of Les.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Eileeen said Les regularly donated to charity, adding: “Money has been sent to St Wilfred’s Hospice from all his friends, who he supported for doing their wonderful work and helping people.”

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world.  But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.

Related topics: