The Airmen's Stories - F/O P S B Ensor

Philip Stephen Baddesley Ensor of Gidleigh, Devon was born in Beckenham, Kent in 1920, the son of Frederick Guy Ensor and Louisa Winton Ensor (nee Robertson).

He was educated at Bradfield College. He joined the RAF on a short service commission in June 1938. After completing his training he joined 23 Squadron at Wittering in June 1939.

On 12th January 1940 Ensor was posted from 12 Group Pool Aston Down to 229 Squadron at Digby but went on 23rd January 610 Squadron at Wittering. Ensor rejoined 23 Squadron on 1st March 1940.

During the night of 15th/16th October he destroyed a He111 and on the 19th/20th he damaged another. Ensor was successful on night intruder operations over French airfields.

On 2nd/3rd January 1941 he got a probable He111 and was awarded the DFC (gazetted 18th February 1941), the citation stating that he had taken part in numerous engagements against the enemy, including three at night.

During the night of 3rd/4th March he destroyed a He111 over Merville airfield, on the 11th/12th he destroyed a bomber on the ground at Beauvais airfield, on 3rd/4th May a Ju88 and probably a He111 over Le Bourget airfield, on the 4/5th a He111 probably destroyed and two others damaged over Caen airfield, on the 7/8th a He111 destroyed in the Arras area and on the 10th/11th a Ju88 destroyed over Beauvais airfield.

He married Joan Mary Kathleen Bragg in July 1941 in Chichester (below).

Ensor was killed on 8th September 1941 aged 21.

Havoc I BB905 was shot down on a night intruder sortie to Lannion, it came down at Sainte Sève near Morlaix in France.

Also lost were F/O PA Roberts DFM and Sgt. GD Oliver.

Ensor is buried in Kerfautras Cemetery, Brest.