Laurence was born on 30 November 1922 in Streatham to Herman and Matilda nee Simmons and had two siblings David and Helene. In 1939 the family were living at Oxford Mansions in Whitstable, Kent and their father was working as a master hairdresser. Laurence’s brother David is listed as a Lance Corporal in the Royal Fusiliers. Laurence was working as a hairdressers assistant when he enlisted in the RAF at the end of 1941.

In 1942 whilst working at RAF station Dunstable in the Meteorological Section when he died as a result of an accident. His death certificate states: ‘Cerebral compression and laceration of the brain substance arising from a bullet wound inflicted at RAF station Dunstable on the 7th May 1942. Misadventure.’