Ron was born in London (we think) but spent most of his early years at Hailsham in Sussex. He joined the Regular Army and entered the Royal Horse Artillery Regiment. This regiment was soon integrated into the Royal Artillery. Ron rose to the rank of Sergeant. During the Second World War, Ron saw action in France and was one of many soldiers involved in the Dunkirk evacuation. He later shipped out to the Far East where he was again involved in action in Burma against the Japanese. By this time Ron was married to Ellen (Val) and his family home was in Boscombe, Near Bournemouth, Dorset. Their first child, Lynda, was born at Boscombe on 30 October 1947. Later their son Keith arrived and their family was complete.