OBITUARY
WING COMMANDER PHILIP PATRICK MBE, DFC, 149 Sqn, 7 Sqn PFF, 582 Sqn PFF.
Born in Edinburgh in March 1915, Philip joined the RAFVR on September 3, 1940 and after flying training his aptitude for multi – engined aircraft singled him out for training as an instructor, He was awarded his wings and was posted to Central Flying School RAF Cranwell instructing on twin engined Oxfords.
After a period of instruction Philip served with 149 Sqn at Lakeneath from July to December 1942 flying the Stirling aircraft and completed a full operational tour. His DFC was gazetted 9/2/43. After a period of rest at RAF Waterbeach and married with a one year old son, Philip volunteered to operate again, in November 1943 and was posted to 7 Sqn, Oakington, as 0C “C” Flight Pathfinder Force where he flew his first operation on December 2nd 1943 to Berlin.
From December 1943 to March 1944 Philip flew 21 operations with 7 Sqn including nine trips to Berlin! duties varied from Supporter,Backer-Up, Blind Marker, Special Blind Marker and Illuminator.
With effect from the 1st April 1944, “C” Flight of 7 Sqn, aircraft and personnel moved to RAF Little Staughton and with a flight from 156 Sqn, formed No 582 Squadron, still within 8 Group PFF.
From April to June, 1944 Philip flew 11 further Operations of this tour, marking on each and including three operations as Master Bomber. All of his crew went on to receive awards, the Navigator being awarded the DSO but Philip received no recognition for his particular participation in the Pathfinding efforts of 7 and 582 Sqns during his period with those Sqns. His view was that “ It must have been lost in the post ! “
All in all Wing Commander Patrick Completed 60 operational sorties, prior to his posting from 7 Sqn to 582 Sqn the commanding officer W/C Lockhart wrote in the Summary of Assessment and Ability as a Heavy Bomber Pilot “Exceptional” and I think that is what sums Philip up “ Exceptional”
