I WOULD like to congratulate Ray Holmes, ex-Battle of Britain pilot, who, as reported (Globe, October 6), has been awarded the top civic honour of the Freedom of Wirral.

I have had the privilege of meeting Ray on a number of occasions over the years. He is a sincere and quietly spoken man and it is so hard to believe he was a great fighter pilot. Ray wrote a book, Sky Spy, of his World War II flying career. Every page is gripping and informative of the dangers he faced fighting for our freedom, which we today take for granted.

He most certainly deserves this great honour.

John Molyneux,

Broughton Road, Wallasey.