Tributes are paid to war hero pilot
TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘humble and charming’ former Lancaster bomber pilot who has died at the age of 97.
Charles Philip Blackham, from Heaton Mersey, died on Monday, January 7 at Stepping Hill Hospital after a short respiratory illness, leaving his wife of more than 50 years, Ann.
Mr Blackham, who was known as Philip, was born in Stockport and lived most of his life in the town.
He flew many missions during World War Two as both a flight engineer and as a pilot of Lancaster bombers.
He was part of the 550 Squadron of the RAF who were based at North Killingholme, Lincolnshire, during the war.
Among his missions was a narrowly unsuccessful bombing raid on Hitler’s ‘Eagle’s Nest,’ a Nazi building erected on a rocky outcrop near the town of Berchtesgaden as well as raids on German V-rocket factories in France.
He also took part in Operation Manna in 1945, during which Allied aircraft flew as low as 50 feet over Holland to drop food supplies to the starving populace, many of whom had resorted to eating tulip bulbs to stay alive.
Mr Blackham, who did not have children, flew Meteor jets after the war for the RAF and later worked for Lucas Electrical.
He was also a former editor of the Railway Gazette and had a lifelong passion for trains and classic cars.
His friend and neighbour, Andy Gilbride, 51, had been close to Mr Blackham for more than 20 years.
He said: “Philip was very charming and above all humble.
“He could talk for all hours about classic cars and all manner of subjects but was reluctant to talk about his service during the war.
“He was undoubtedly a hero but that would be the last word he would ever use about himself.
“He said to me that he was just doing his job for his country and the heroes were the many lads he knew who perished on the bombing missions.
“I would accompany him to reunions which he would enjoy but he wouldn’t wear his medals or uniform.
“He was so charming and warm, like an Edwardian gentleman.”
In September last year Mr Blackham attended North Killingholme to mark the 75th anniversary of the 550 Squadron’s formation.
Veterans, all well into their 90s, returned to the village to join others, some of whom had travelled from abroad, for the reunion, which also came in the year the RAF marked its centenary.