"Appointed a partner in Freeman Fox in 1969, Wex oversaw construction of the M5 Avonmouth Bridge and took charge of the newly authorized Humber Bridge project. This had originally been studied by the firm in 1927-8 and proposed as a single 1372 metre span by Sir Ralph Freeman in 1935. Wex directed its final design and construction, adopting 'slip-formed' concrete for the towers, rather than steel, thus making substantial cost savings. He also used novel methods for sinking the south tower and anchorage foundations through 40 metres of water and silt to reach the Kimmeridge clay. The construction period coincided with unprecedented inflation and worsening industrial relations, which caused severe delays and mounting costs. Undaunted, Wex piloted client and contractors through to a supremely successful conclusion. The bridge was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 17 July 1981. At 1410 metres its main clear span was the world's longest by 110 metres. Wex was appointed OBE in the 1982 new year honours list." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, 2004
Bernard's father came to England in 1900, taking British nationality in 1911 (Certificate no. 20782). He died two weeks before Bernard was born.