About Gervase Cowell
Lived 1926 – 2000 (aged 74). Gervase Cowell was a diplomat, historian and intelligence agent.
Gervase Cowell ( – ) was half of a British husband-and-wife intelligence team who handled Colonel Oleg Penkovsky, a Soviet GRU military intelligence officer who provided the West with invaluable military secrets.
Gervase and Pamela Cowell replaced another couple, Charles and Janet Chisholm, after Janet became pregnant and was recalled to London in June 1962.
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Gervase Cowell?
Cowell, Gervase [Gerry] (1926–2000), intelligence officer
When was Gervase Cowell born?
Gervase Cowell was born on 17 January 1926 in Sale, Greater Manchester.
When did Gervase Cowell die?
Gervase Cowell died on 17 January 2000 in Sutton, London.
What was Gervase Cowell's occupation?
Gervase Cowell was a diplomat, historian and intelligence agent.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Gervase Cowell. https://biography.guide/gervase-cowell/
MLA: "Gervase Cowell." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/gervase-cowell/.
Chicago: "Gervase Cowell." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/gervase-cowell/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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