The Airmen's Stories - P/O R D Kent

Raymond Dugdale Kent was born on 5th July 1905 in China, in the 1911 census his father, William Essington Kent (1869-1935) is recorded as living at Portland Harbour, Dorset and holding the Royal Navy rank of Chief Petty Officer.

He was born in Dewlish, Dorset. After serving his apprenticeship on sailing ships he went out to China where he first became a travelling pilot on Candian Pacific liners and, later, a Shanghai Licensed pilot.

In 1923 he narrowly survived the earthquake at Yokohama where he also took part in a great deal of rescue work. He died in Dorchester and is buried at Dewlish.

RD Kent's mother was Josephine Marie Bishop Kent (nee Skinner 1880-1967).

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RD Kent is recorded as a Mercantile Assistant on prewar voyages to Hong Kong and Canada.

He was commissioned in the RAFVR in February 1940 as a direct-entry Air Gunner.

He probably joined 235 Squadron at North Coates in late March 1940 after training at No. 1 Air Armament School Manby.

He was detached to CGS Warmwell on 13th May 1940 for a Gunnery Leader course. He rejoined 235 Squadron on 14th June.

His subsequent service is currently undocumented until he was released from the RAF in 1945 as a Flight Lieutenant.

Kent died on 26th September 1948 in London, his probate was granted in Canford Cliffs, Poole.