Mr E L D Davey-Thomas, G3AGA

Davey, as he was known by all in amateur radio, was born on July 6th 1920 near Penzance and on leaving school started his career with Barclays Bank. On the outbreak of war he joined the RAF and was posted to Coastal Command. He worked on navigation aids and later became an instructor for radio operators in Bomber Command. In later life he confessed that although young at the time he felt a great sadness that so many of those he trained never came back.

After the war he returned to the Bank, having obtained the callsign G3AGA when amateur radio was again allowed. While working in Cornwall he was an active member of the Cornish Radio Amateur Club. In 1958 he moved from Cornwall to the London area and was one of the leaders in introducing computers into the bank. A little later he was heavily involved in the introduction of Barclaycard, the first British credit card. During this time he was an active member of the Surrey Radio Contact Club and enjoyed many field days with his family.

After he retired from Barclays, he moved to Ireland and worked for the Allied Irish Bank during the late 70’s and 80’s. During this time he held an Irish call EI9DP, and made many good friends among EI and GI amateurs.

On finally retiring to his native Cornwall, Davey joined the Poldhu Amateur Radio Club. His drive and expertise, especially with aerials, were of great value to the club and, together with George, G3AHX, he worked actively on aerial maintenance until he was into his late eighties. Seldom has a club been so lucky as to have a member such as Davey.

Tribute by Keith Matthew, G0WYS
Hon Sec Poldhu Amateur Radio Club

Category: Silent Keys