Obituary: ROY FERNIE

A FORMER prisoner-of-war, Roy Fernie s funeral took place at Ely Cathedral on August 24. Mr Fernie, of Cambridge Road, was born in Great Yarmouth and moved to Wisbech when he was a boy, attending the Grammar School. He was employed by the Trustee Savings

A FORMER prisoner-of-war, Roy Fernie's funeral took place at Ely Cathedral on August 24.

Mr Fernie, of Cambridge Road, was born in Great Yarmouth and moved to Wisbech when he was a boy, attending the Grammar School. He was employed by the Trustee Savings Bank in the town, working there until he joined the 158th squadron of the Royal Air Force Voluntary Reserve Bomber Command.

He became a navigator in a Halifax bomber named 'the menace'. But on October 15 1942 his plane came under heavy enemy fire over Holland and he was shot in the leg. He parachuted from the plane and crawled to a cottage nearby in Hellendoorn where a local family gave him first aid. Today, the site where the plane came down is still hallowed ground and has been maintained as a memorial to Roy and his fallen comrades. He was taken to hospital in Arnhem where he spent more than a year before being transferred to a prison camp in Germany.

After the war, Roy resumed his career with the TSB and married Ena. They lived for a short time in Wisbech before moving to Ely in 1947 on his appointment as manager.

He became well known in the town, taking an active interest in local affairs. His lifetime philosophy was to help others through his work and his involvement in Rotary and Masonic activities.

After his retirement he became closely involved in the Bank Pensioners Association, latterly as district chairman. For relaxation he sailed and played golf and was a prominent member of both the golf and sailing clubs.

Roy leaves behind his wife Ena, their son Geoff and daughter Judie and their families. He is survived by two of his five brothers and a sister.