The Bill and Angela Strong Medal Collection

Five: Private J. H. Fowkes, Worcestershire Regiment, captured at Tobruk, 21 June 1942

1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45, these unnamed; General Service 1918-62, G.VI.R, 2 clasps, Malaya, Cyprus (5248333 Pte., Worc. R.) minor correction to service number; Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army (5248333 Pte., Worc. R.) good very fine and better (5) £180-220

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Bill and Angela Strong Medal Collection.

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Joseph Harry Fowkes was born in Blackheath, Oldbury, Worcestershire on 25 December 1912. An Iron Worker by occupation, he enlisted on 30 March 1931. With the Worcester Regiment he served in Malta, December 1932-September 1933; China, September 1933-November 1936; and India, November 1936-February 1938. He was posted to the Army Reserve, May 1938-August 1939. Recalled to the Colours, he then served overseas in Sudan, September 1939-July 1941 and Egypt, July 1941-June 1942. Private Fowkes was captured by the Germans at Tobruk, 21 June 1942. He remained a prisoner-of-war in Italy and Germany until released in May 1945. Returning to active service Fowkes served in N.W. Europe, June-September 1946; with the B.A.O.R., May 1947-April 1949 and September 1949-May 1950, and the Far East, May 1950-August 1951. Whilst in Malaya he was Batman to the R.S.M. In 1952 he was awarded the Long Service Medal. Leaving the service in October 1952, he died of lung cancer on 11 May 1954.

With copy P.O.W. questionnaire and copied service notes. Note: Not entitled to the Cyprus clasp.