Elton Ray Winslow born on the April 2, 1924, to parents Adelaide and Blayney, growing up on a dairy farm in Bowraville, NSW.
Ray attended the local primary school at Simpson Ridge and attended Coffs Harbour High School. He joined the CBC Bank at age 16 and his first branch was Werris Creek.
Ray then joined the Army when the war broke out, enlisting at Inverell as a signaller.
On June 17, 1942, aged 18 years old, Ray discharged from the Army, only to enlist in the Royal Australian Air Force on December 2, 1942.
Ray embarked to the UK on February 15, 1944, as Airman Pilot and was promoted to FSGT Pilot July 16 that same year. From October, 1944, to July, 1945, Ray flew Hurricane, Oxford and Spitfire aircraft.
Ray was commissioned in July, 1945, and on his return to Australia, retained the rank of Pilot Officer on discharge.
Ray rejoined the CBC bank after the war ended and was sent to various country branches including Inverell, Nowra, Gloucester and Orange. He then went on to become branch manager at Mandurama, Grafton and Brisbane and, in due course, regional manager for Western NSW, based in Dubbo.
Ray retired and moved with his wife Helen to five acres at Darby’s Falls near Cowra, on the Lachlan River, indulging in his love of gardening where he created a “Garden of Eden”.
Ray and Helen remained there for 20 years before moving back to Dubbo, due to Helen’s declining health.
Ray has served the community and veterans for 60 years with Legacy, which -- combined with his service during WW2 -- represents an enormous dedication and sense of duty.
Happy 100th Birthday Ray, and thank you for service.
