PHILLIPS, ROBERT RAEBURN

Born 24/07/1911, Gateshead

Died 07/10/1943, age 32, Isolation Hospital, Scunthorpe

Buried 12/10/1943

LT/X 6110ES, Chief Petty Officer, Royal Naval Reserve (Patrol Service), H.M. Motor Minesweeper Antrim (MMS/50)

Son of Robert Raeburn Phillips and Mary Ann Swindon, married 1906 in Gateshead

Husband of Cora Hutchinson (b 1907 in Grimsby, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth), married 27/09/1933

Father of Margaret R (b 1934), Maurice R (b 1936), Colin R (b 1938, died 1938, aged 11 weeks), Raeburn (b 1940)

Brother of Margaret Ann (b 1907), Jane Elizabeth (b 1909), Mary (b 1920)

1939 Register – Robert is visiting his mother in Gateshead at 4 Annie Jane Terrace. He is a Chief Engineer. Cora meanwhile is at 70 Barcroft Street, Cleethorpes. This has been her parents’ home for many years.

Robert’s Royal Naval Reserve record shows that he enlisted on 05/07/1939 and trained for 14 days on the Drake at Devonport before returning to Grimsby. His rating on enrolment was “Provisional engineman”, later advanced to Chief Engineman.

He was despatched to Lowestoft on 18/09/1939 and served on vessels including Pembroke, Boscowen, Claverhouse, Eaglet, Edinburgh Castle, St Minver, Moira (Syringa), Badger (Hunda) and the minesweeper Antrim, which he joined on 31/05/1943.

Robert was awarded the Silver Badge on 23/10/1940.

He was discharged from HMS Europa, the central depot of the RNPS at Lowestoft on 09/08/1943, his invaliding documents having been received on 12/07/1943.

His widow Cora received an RNR gratuity of £17 10s after his death on 02/12/1943.

His RNR record shows that Robert was 5ft 9½in tall, with dark brown hair, brown eyes, a 34” chest and medium complexion. He had a ship, clasped hands and hands across the sea tattooed on his left forearm and clasped hands and a heart on his right forearm. He also had a scar from an appendicitis operation. His religion was recorded as Church of England, his previous occupation as trawling and the record also mentions that he could not swim.

 Address at time of death: 70 Barcroft Street, Cleethorpes

Grave ref: Section AA, Grave A44