The Airmen's Stories - AC1 J R Phillipson

John Ross Phillipson joined the RAF in July 1939 as an Aircrafthand. He was in France with the AASF as a ground radio operator. Back in England in early June 1940, he volunteered for aircrew duties of a secret nature. After a short radar course at Yatesbury he was posted to 604 Squadron at Gravesend on July 10th. Flying with John Cunningham on November 19th 1940, Phillipson assisted in the destruction of a Ju88, Cunningham's first victory. On December 23rd and January 3rd 1941 he assisted in destroying He111’s, both times with Cunningham. In 1942 Phillipson was with 89 Squadron in the Middle East. He was killed on January 5th 1943 in a flying accident as a Warrant Officer. The award of the DFC was gazetted on 19th February 1943 after his death. The citation stated that he had recently taken part in the destruction of three enemy aircraft. Phillipson is buried in Moascar War Cemetery, Egypt.

Photographs courtesy of Colonel C R Romberg RA, British Embassy Cairo