2nd/Lt. Raby was an observer in No. 53 Squadron of the Royal Air Force.
On 9th June 1918, he was with 'A' Flight on detachment to No. 4 Squadron at St. Omer.
On 13th June, he was with Lieutenant W. H. Williams in R.E.8 C2291 when the engine failed and the aircraft struck telephone wires whilst trying to land in a field.

At Abeele East on 1st October 1918, Laurence was with Lieutenant G. C. Brown in R.E.8 C2549 when it was brought down by machine gun fire but they escaped unhurt.

On 9th October he was again with Lieutenant Brown in R.E.8 D6804 when they were attacked over the lines by six enemy Scouts. Putting up an extraordinary fire fight against far superior numbers, Lawrence fired three drums into the attacking machines before he was hit fatally and his pilot seriously wounded. He force-landed the aircraft amongst the infantry right away but Lawrence had already died. He was aged 19.
Lieutenant Brown died of his wounds the next day.

Laurence was the son of Frederick and Edna Raby, of 2, Rochford Avenue, Westcliff-on-Sea.

He is buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery