Richard L. Stowell
Epithet: Officer aboard H.M. Drifter 'Provider'
Record type: First World War Biographies
Biography: Sub Lieutenant Richard Stowell was commissioned into the Royal Naval Reserve during the First World War. This branch of the service consisted of experienced civilian seafarers, who agreed to be called upon by the Royal Navy in time of war. Stowell served aboard the requisitioned civilian fishing vessel 'Provider' which formed part of the Dover patrol. The Royal Navy had effectively closed the English Channel as part of its blockade of Germany, but the enforcement of this blockade required constant vigilance and many civilian craft were called into service. In 1917, Stowell was decorated with the Order of the White Eagle by the King of Serbia. (Image ref: PG/13313).
Gender: Male