F/L Derek Fowler DFM - RIP

**Antipodean Andy** · 01-08-2009, 04:55 PM

Anyone got a squadron for Derek Fowler? I don't think there were a lot of squadrons equipped with Fishingtons...

Flight Lieutenant Derek Fowler, DFM | Times Online Obituary

Derek Fowler was one of the youngest pilots — and possibly the youngest — to win the Distinguished Flying Medal in the Second World War. Having enlisted under age on leaving Framlingham College, Suffolk, by 1942 he was a sergeant pilot flying Wellingtons in attacks on German shipping supplying Rommel’s Afrika Korps across the Mediterranean.

Although designed as bombers, the Wellingtons in his squadron had been adapted to launch torpedoes at low altitude using a primitive aiming device. Sighting a German tanker sailing south, Fowler prepared for attack but the escorting destroyers put up a dense smoke screen. He waited around until it had cleared and then flew in low to avoid the destroyers’ anti-aircraft fire. His torpedo struck home, resulting in a huge explosion and the tanker being enveloped in flames. His courage and determination were rewarded by the DFM.

Later in the war he flew Lancaster bombers of the Pathfinder force over Germany. Resolved to continue flying after demobilisation, as a flight lieutenant, he worked for Transair, flying newspapers to Brussels and Paris. When Transair furnished a DC3 Dakota for executive luxury travel, he was seconded to fly Aristotle Onassis and Stavros Niarchos for four years until the two shipping magnates had a disagreement and Niarchos bought the Onassis share of the arrangement. Fowler and his crew became directly employed by Niarchos, flying ever faster and more comfortable machines, the final one being a Boeing 737 converted to carrying one small party in absolute luxury.

In retirement to Switzerland, Fowler continued flying with second his wife, Yela (known as Peter), who was also an accomplished pilot, using their Citation seven to eight-seater to ferry their friends from England and elsewhere to their home in Silvaplana near the southeastern border with Italy.

Fowler is survived by his wife and two sons and a daughter of his first marriage.

Flight Lieutenant Derek Fowler, DFM, was born on July 9, 1923. He died on October 17, 2008, aged 85

**Kyt** · 01-09-2009, 01:35 PM

DFM 1st Jan 1943

1332209 Sergeant Derek Colin FOWLER, No. 38 Squadron.
One night in October, 1942, this airman captained .an aircraft which attacked a convoy consisting of a merchant ship, a tanker and 2 escorting destroyers. In spite of a thick smoke screen, which completely enshrouded the convoy, Sergeant Fowler remained over the target area until, for a few moments, the smoke cleared and the tanker became visible. He immediately flew in to close range and attacked with telling effect. A violent explosion occurred and it was subsequently learned that the tanker was on fire. This airman has completed many sorties and has always displayed outstanding zeal and determination.

Brian S · 01-10-2009, 01:43 PM

All I could find that fits the details are --
A two ship Convoy escorted by T/Bs Lira and Castdelfidardo from Tobruk to Piraeus is attacked on 2nd October by British Torpedo Aircraft. The Tanker Rondine is hit and has to be towed by both escorts back to Tobruk.

The Tanker Panuco sailing from Naples to Tripoli escorted by Destroyers Maestrale and Grecale and T/Bs. Dezza and Sitori. Was torpedoed by Aircraft 18th Oct. Initially abandoned, she was later towed to Taranto and repaired.

28 October Convoy "J" a Transport and Tanker escorted by Destroyer Granatiere;T/Bs. Fortunale and San Martino came under Air attack and the Tanker Luisano was sunk by Torpedo.

The Tanker Prosperino was hit with 2 torpedoes after being attacked by 5 groups of Aircraft on 26th Oct.

Reference CHRONOLOGY OF THE WAR AT SEA -- 3rd Edition J. Rohwer