David Barlow “Duke”, G3PLE – 23 February 2025

It is with great sadness that Poldhu Amateur Radio Club announce the passing of David Barlow, G3PLE.

David will be greatly missed by the club, having been a loyal and active member for many years, in that time giving many presentations on Marconi, early wireless development, the Titanic disaster and wireless at sea.

Prior to being involved with the Marconi Museum at Poldhu, David was the National Trust volunteer manager of the Lizard Wireless station for 14 years.  He was a lecturer on early CQD and SOS messages and events and was interviewed frequently by local BBC radio stations.

David was a former Merchant Navy Radio Officer and acquired his amateur radio licence in 1959 and held the 1st Class Certificate in Radiotelegraphy.  He was a founder member of the Radio Officers Association (ROA) and founder of the Radio Officers Association Radio Society (ROARS).   David’s main interest in radio was always CW ops, having been a Morse Examiner, Assessor and Trainer.  He was a keen contester and achieved ARRL and CQWW 1st place in G on numerous occasions. He was the Contest Manager for the Poldhu Amateur Radio Club.

David also gave his time to helping others and for 14 years served as Chairman of a leading hospital radio service with a regular programme featuring his love of big band music.

David wrote the books ‘Marconi’s First Little Miracle’ and ‘Marconi in Cornwall’.

RIP “Duke”

Neil Whitham, G4SEN

Chairman, Poldhu Amateur Radio Club

Category: Silent Keys