Ralph Ottey
Ralph Ottey was born in Little London, Westmoreland, Jamaica on February 17 1924.
He came to the UK in June 1944, settling in Boston, Lincolnshire following a call for assistance from the ‘Mother Country’ in fighting the Second World War.
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Before arriving he had qualified to join the Royal Air Force air crew. However, on arriving in the UK, he was informed of the need for drivers and was trained in handling a wide range of military vehicles.
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Ralph was eventually attached to the county’s world famous 617 – Dambusters - Squadron.
After the war Ralph settled in Boston where he married Mavis. They have a daughter, Lesley.
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Ralph celebrated his 100th birthday in Boston, Lincolnshire with his family, friends and RAF colleagues on 17 February 2024.
LESLEY MORRISON CBE
Lesley was born in Boston, Lincolnshire, the only daughter of Ralph and Mavis Ottey, where she lived until she left to attend university.
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Lesley went on to be celebrated as a pioneering educationalist as Headteacher of St Martin-in-the-Fields High School for Girls, Lambeth where she was awarded the CBE for her services to local and national education.
Click on the cover opposite to fins out more about Ralph Ottey's memoir - A Jamaican in Lincolnshire
