Milke Phillips

88 Entry D Sqn 29th August 2025

This is part of Clive Upton’s comprehensive tribute to Mike’s professional career: “At Cranwell, he was the fastest person over 220 yards. Eventually, his pleasure and ability in sport would bring him the captaincy of the RAF Athletic Team. His demanding role in ‘The Crucible’ performed at Bishop Grosseteste Ladies’ Teacher Training College in Lincoln was carried with aplomb.Being a charming, good looking young gentleman who could hold intelligent conversation, he was selected as an escort for the Miss World competitors in London.Whilst at Tengah Mike had the adrenaline rush when, low on fuel reserves and attempting a landing in the foulest of weathers at RAF Kai Tak, Hong Kong, an undercarriage wheel blew out and the a/c veered off the runway into a monsoon drain. Mike, his fellow pilot and navigator sustained back injuries, but survived the incident and the subsequent Board of Inquiry, itself a traumatic experience. Later in his career Mike took on the role of introducing and training young embryo pilots. His passion for flying determined his approach as he passed on his skills to those so many years younger than he. There will be many flying today who owe their trained ability to Mike, and so his skill lives on among the clouds and in the skies.During this period, Mike had a near fatal response to an unknown food allergy. The medics ‘grounded’ him! Probably the most devastating issue that Mike had to face at that point. But wait a moment - this is Mike Phillips, whose life and passion is flying. With determination and courage Mike managed to have the medics agree that if he didn’t eat anything for ‘n’ hours before a flight he could return to flying. Almost a Douglas Bader moment.Outside of the Service a final aspect in Mike’s personality and endeavor was the desire to help others. This was in public court proceedings as well as leading a charitable initiative for those who did not have the equipment to help improve their lives and allow them access to things we accept as normal. It was here that Mike the inventor turned his hand to adapting equipment and machines to assist those not so fortunate. Technical skill and compassion was combined for the benefit of others.”