The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. P A Burnell-Phillips

Peter Anthony Burnell-Phillips was born in Richmond, Surrey and educated at St George's School, Weybridge. He joined the RAF on a short service commission in February 1936. After completing his flying training at Cranwell, he joined 54 Squadron at Hornchurch, later moving to 65 Squadron.

Burnell-Phillips was obliged to resign his commission on February 1st 1939 for infringement of flying discipline when, for a bet, he flew at rooftop height along the main street of Crowborough, Sussex.

He joined the RAFVR on April 20th 1939 and was called up on October 16th. Burnell-Phillips was posted to 607 Squadron at Usworth in July 1940. He claimed two He111’s destroyed on August 15th and he shot down a Do17 on September 9th. In the latter engagement, his engine seized and he made a forced-landing near Knockholt in Hurricane P2912. Burnell-Phillips was slightly wounded by a bullet in the ankle.

On September 26th he forced a Do17 to crash into the sea by making mock attacks, his ammunition having been exhausted. He also claimed a Me110 destroyed on September 30th and shared a He111 on October 4th. Burnell-Phillips was awarded the DFM (gazetted 1st November 1940), credited with at least five victories.

He was commissioned in November 1940 but was killed in a flying accident on February 9th 1941 at Haddington, East Lothian, aged 24.

He is buried in Dirleton Cemetery, Peebleshire.

Burnell-Phillips' portrait was done by Cuthbert Orde in February 1941.

Although he came from Richmond he must have had strong connections to Crowborough in view of the low-flying incident and the fact that he is commemorated there on the war memorial at All Saints Church.