Roll of Honour 2023

P AGE 247

W ORLD W AR II

S T . E DWARD ’ S S CHOOL , O XFORD R OLL OF H ONOUR

Name PETER ROBERT DENHAM RODWELL (Pilot Off)

Roll Number 2920 Died 17:11:1942

Set / House D

Arrive SES 1934

Lef SES 1937

Where NERA TABARKA, TUNISIA Serving with 225 SQD, FIGHTER CMD, R.A.F.V.R.

Age 22

Buried Tabarka Ras Rajel War Cemetery, Tunisia Remembered The St. Edward’s School WW2 Memorial

Born Whitchurch, Hants 1920, he was a Lance Corporal in the OTC and a member of the Vc1 Form on leaving. ‘He was a boy of bright disposition and many friendships and he radiated happiness and contentment wherever he went’ (Chronicle). After leaving School he worked for the Yorkshire Insurance Company and also joined the Essex Regiment Territorials, serving with them during the early part of the war. In 1940 he switched to the RAFVR and trained as a Pilot, gaining his wings in 1941 and joining 225 Squadron, Fighter Command, flying Hurricanes. He was posted to the Mediterranean theatre and was shot down in action (by friendly fire) over Tunisia during Operation Torch the invasion of North Africa. ‘He was shot down by British Ack Ack fire near Tabarka, while being chased by two BF 109s during a tactical sortie’ (official report). When lost, he was attached to the Royal Air Force-Army Co-operation Unit.