One of Cornwall's most respected police officers, Chief Inspector Derek Fowkes passed away at the age of 79; he served in Newquay from 1970 to 1984.
Besides ably serving his community as a police officer for many years, Derek Fowkes embarked on several investigations of Cornwall's historical mysteries, two of which were documented in television broadscasts: one involved his researching the Figg-Hoblyn family who abandoned their estate in Colan Woods; another involved his keen interest in the Second World War crash of RAF 525 Squadron’s Vickers Warwick III (#BV 247) into the bay at Newquay. This aircraft crash claimed the lives of fourteen military personnel in 1944. In the latter investigation Inspector Fowkes was able to positively identify where one of the airmen, RCAF Flying Officer Arthur Douglas GAVEL, was laid to rest in a grave, marked as 'unknown', eighty years earlier.
This is a published letter from Derek Fowkes, published in Canada's 'Air Force' magazine (Sept 1981):-
"--I am carrying out an historical research into an aircraft crash, which occurred 17 Apr 44-on which date a Warwick aircraft of 525 Squadron, RAF Transport Command, took off from RAF station St. Mawgan, England, en route for North Africa. Within minutes of take off the aircraft crashed into the sea with the loss of all lives.
--The pilot and wireless operator of the aircraft were Canadian-as were many of the crew members of this squadron. Among the 12 passengers, were many fascinating people, including another Canadian, Steve Mate-an SOE Officer, who is referred to in Roy McLaren's book, "Canadians Behind Enemy Lines". Also on the aircraft was a Squadron Leader William Godfrey TILEY, a wireless expert, and I am currently seeking information about this particular officer.
--According to his service record, from 22 May 41 to 18 Jul 43, he was at 31 OTU in Canada, first with the rank of flight lieutenant, and later as squadron leader. From an identification pass which has recently come into my possession, it would appear that 31 OTU was at Debert. Could I please ask that anyone who knew him at that station, please contact me. In addition to the photograph of the pass, I am enclosing an artist's impression created from an old won newspaper photograph. During the period he was serving in Canada, he was awarded the MBE.
Derek Fowkes
Chief Inspector
Devon & Cornwall Constabulary
Newquay
Cornwall."
The late Derek Fowkes by his wife Jean, one son, two daughters and six grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter Sue.
A cremation funeral ceremony was held in the Trelawny Chapel at the Penmount Crematorium in Truro, Cornwall, on 3 Sept 2007.
Besides ably serving his community as a police officer for many years, Derek Fowkes embarked on several investigations of Cornwall's historical mysteries, two of which were documented in television broadscasts: one involved his researching the Figg-Hoblyn family who abandoned their estate in Colan Woods; another involved his keen interest in the Second World War crash of RAF 525 Squadron’s Vickers Warwick III (#BV 247) into the bay at Newquay. This aircraft crash claimed the lives of fourteen military personnel in 1944. In the latter investigation Inspector Fowkes was able to positively identify where one of the airmen, RCAF Flying Officer Arthur Douglas GAVEL, was laid to rest in a grave, marked as 'unknown', eighty years earlier.
This is a published letter from Derek Fowkes, published in Canada's 'Air Force' magazine (Sept 1981):-
"--I am carrying out an historical research into an aircraft crash, which occurred 17 Apr 44-on which date a Warwick aircraft of 525 Squadron, RAF Transport Command, took off from RAF station St. Mawgan, England, en route for North Africa. Within minutes of take off the aircraft crashed into the sea with the loss of all lives.
--The pilot and wireless operator of the aircraft were Canadian-as were many of the crew members of this squadron. Among the 12 passengers, were many fascinating people, including another Canadian, Steve Mate-an SOE Officer, who is referred to in Roy McLaren's book, "Canadians Behind Enemy Lines". Also on the aircraft was a Squadron Leader William Godfrey TILEY, a wireless expert, and I am currently seeking information about this particular officer.
--According to his service record, from 22 May 41 to 18 Jul 43, he was at 31 OTU in Canada, first with the rank of flight lieutenant, and later as squadron leader. From an identification pass which has recently come into my possession, it would appear that 31 OTU was at Debert. Could I please ask that anyone who knew him at that station, please contact me. In addition to the photograph of the pass, I am enclosing an artist's impression created from an old won newspaper photograph. During the period he was serving in Canada, he was awarded the MBE.
Derek Fowkes
Chief Inspector
Devon & Cornwall Constabulary
Newquay
Cornwall."
The late Derek Fowkes by his wife Jean, one son, two daughters and six grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter Sue.
A cremation funeral ceremony was held in the Trelawny Chapel at the Penmount Crematorium in Truro, Cornwall, on 3 Sept 2007.
One of Cornwall's most respected police officers, Chief Inspector Derek Fowkes passed away at the age of 79; he served in Newquay from 1970 to 1984.
Besides ably serving his community as a police officer for many years, Derek Fowkes embarked on several investigations of Cornwall's historical mysteries, two of which were documented in television broadscasts: one involved his researching the Figg-Hoblyn family who abandoned their estate in Colan Woods; another involved his keen interest in the Second World War crash of RAF 525 Squadron’s Vickers Warwick III (#BV 247) into the bay at Newquay. This aircraft crash claimed the lives of fourteen military personnel in 1944. In the latter investigation Inspector Fowkes was able to positively identify where one of the airmen, RCAF Flying Officer Arthur Douglas GAVEL, was laid to rest in a grave, marked as 'unknown', eighty years earlier.
This is a published letter from Derek Fowkes, published in Canada's 'Air Force' magazine (Sept 1981):-
"--I am carrying out an historical research into an aircraft crash, which occurred 17 Apr 44-on which date a Warwick aircraft of 525 Squadron, RAF Transport Command, took off from RAF station St. Mawgan, England, en route for North Africa. Within minutes of take off the aircraft crashed into the sea with the loss of all lives.
--The pilot and wireless operator of the aircraft were Canadian-as were many of the crew members of this squadron. Among the 12 passengers, were many fascinating people, including another Canadian, Steve Mate-an SOE Officer, who is referred to in Roy McLaren's book, "Canadians Behind Enemy Lines". Also on the aircraft was a Squadron Leader William Godfrey TILEY, a wireless expert, and I am currently seeking information about this particular officer.
--According to his service record, from 22 May 41 to 18 Jul 43, he was at 31 OTU in Canada, first with the rank of flight lieutenant, and later as squadron leader. From an identification pass which has recently come into my possession, it would appear that 31 OTU was at Debert. Could I please ask that anyone who knew him at that station, please contact me. In addition to the photograph of the pass, I am enclosing an artist's impression created from an old won newspaper photograph. During the period he was serving in Canada, he was awarded the MBE.
Derek Fowkes
Chief Inspector
Devon & Cornwall Constabulary
Newquay
Cornwall."
The late Derek Fowkes by his wife Jean, one son, two daughters and six grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter Sue.
A cremation funeral ceremony was held in the Trelawny Chapel at the Penmount Crematorium in Truro, Cornwall, on 3 Sept 2007.
Besides ably serving his community as a police officer for many years, Derek Fowkes embarked on several investigations of Cornwall's historical mysteries, two of which were documented in television broadscasts: one involved his researching the Figg-Hoblyn family who abandoned their estate in Colan Woods; another involved his keen interest in the Second World War crash of RAF 525 Squadron’s Vickers Warwick III (#BV 247) into the bay at Newquay. This aircraft crash claimed the lives of fourteen military personnel in 1944. In the latter investigation Inspector Fowkes was able to positively identify where one of the airmen, RCAF Flying Officer Arthur Douglas GAVEL, was laid to rest in a grave, marked as 'unknown', eighty years earlier.
This is a published letter from Derek Fowkes, published in Canada's 'Air Force' magazine (Sept 1981):-
"--I am carrying out an historical research into an aircraft crash, which occurred 17 Apr 44-on which date a Warwick aircraft of 525 Squadron, RAF Transport Command, took off from RAF station St. Mawgan, England, en route for North Africa. Within minutes of take off the aircraft crashed into the sea with the loss of all lives.
--The pilot and wireless operator of the aircraft were Canadian-as were many of the crew members of this squadron. Among the 12 passengers, were many fascinating people, including another Canadian, Steve Mate-an SOE Officer, who is referred to in Roy McLaren's book, "Canadians Behind Enemy Lines". Also on the aircraft was a Squadron Leader William Godfrey TILEY, a wireless expert, and I am currently seeking information about this particular officer.
--According to his service record, from 22 May 41 to 18 Jul 43, he was at 31 OTU in Canada, first with the rank of flight lieutenant, and later as squadron leader. From an identification pass which has recently come into my possession, it would appear that 31 OTU was at Debert. Could I please ask that anyone who knew him at that station, please contact me. In addition to the photograph of the pass, I am enclosing an artist's impression created from an old won newspaper photograph. During the period he was serving in Canada, he was awarded the MBE.
Derek Fowkes
Chief Inspector
Devon & Cornwall Constabulary
Newquay
Cornwall."
The late Derek Fowkes by his wife Jean, one son, two daughters and six grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter Sue.
A cremation funeral ceremony was held in the Trelawny Chapel at the Penmount Crematorium in Truro, Cornwall, on 3 Sept 2007.
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