John William Southmayd Fowler
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
He was the son of Percy and Mildred Ida Southmayd Fowler; husband of Sheila M Fowler, of Normanton-on-the-Wolds, Nottinghamshire
Spitfire PR.I.C P9313
Flight Lieutenant J W S Fowler: missing believed killed; failed to return from operational flight between Flushing and Cherbourg, Spitfire P9313, Photographic Reconnaissance Unit, 9 November 1940.
A memorial campaign to commemorate the men and women of the Photographic
Operating in dangerous skies during WWII, PRU pilots had some of the lowest life expectancies in the armed forces – often just six weeks. These unsung heroes flew unarmed aircraft deep into enemy territory to capture images crucial to Allied intelligence. Their work, including the expert analysis of photographic interpreters, played a vital role in strategic planning and helped shape the outcome of the war.
Among them was local hero John William Southmayd Fowler from Normanton-on-the Wolds, whose courage and service helped gather critical intelligence that shaped Allied military strategy. Joining the RAF and learning to fly the Spitfire, 27-year-old John became part of the RAF’s new clandestine Photographic Reconnaissance Unit operating from RAF Heston around 1940. As part of B Flight on 9th November 1940, he was selected to fly a reconnaissance mission of the enemy coast between Flushing and Cherbourg. John failed to return from that flight, and he remains missing – presumed killed – to this day.
No photos