The write stuff! RAF hero with a first book out at 97
A WAR hero has become one of Britain’s oldest authors after publishing his memoirs – at the age of 97.
Humphrey Phillips began writing his tale back in 2003 after doctors suggested it would help him deal with the grief of losing his wife Iris.
Now his book A Thousand And One has finally been published after “nearly 100 years in the making”.
Former Flight Lieutenant Phillips, who served in 103 Squadron and later 1656 Conversion Unit during the Second World War, flew in combat and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross medal for bravery.
The title of the book refers to Humphrey being an extra “one” in the Thousand Bomber Raids, which saw 1,000 aircraft take to the skies at once as a demonstration of strength from the RAF, bombing German cities in 1942.
The book describes the moment when enemy fire riddled his Lancaster bomber, nearly killing the plane’s gunner and forcing an emergency landing back in Britain.
Humphrey completed the book at Bupa Erskine Hall care home near Harrow, north London, where he now lives.
Colleagues at the home even held a book launch, where the former RAF officer signed copies for friends and family.
Humphrey, originally from north London, said: “While I started writing in 2003, I suppose you could say the book’s been nearly 100 years in the making, so I’m really very proud to see the final product. I was fortunate enough to have been able to write nearly the whole book from memory.
“But I’d advise people to write their memories down as soon as possible. Even in a rough draft, it’s a great way of helping you preserve your memories.”
The book was written with the help of Sean Feast, an expert on Bomber Command history. Mr Feast said: “Humphrey had a few hairy escapes during the war. They got badly shot up on one of their operations.”
Care home employee Megan Guest added: “We’re all so proud of Humphrey. It’s heart-warming. It’s been a real labour of love.”
Humphrey was an apprentice motor mechanic before being called up to join the war effort in 1940, aged 20, working initially as a flight engineer.
A Thousand And One, is available on Amazon, priced £11.99.
MAJOR congratulations to war hero Humphrey Phillips DFC, who at the age of 97 has become one of the country’s oldest authors following the publication of his first book. He’s an inspiration to everyone harbouring an unfulfilled ambition and proof positive of what so many of us were told as children: it’s never ever too late to start.