Monday, 3 January 2011

PHIL FISHER




I heard the sad news this morning that Phil Fisher had passed away aged 94 years old. I knew Phil from my time photographing D-Day and Normandy Veterans from the Hull & District Branch of The Normandy Veterans Association for my documentary project (1998-2002).  Phil was a tall, quiet and modest man, in short a gentleman. He and his late wife Ena lived in a Bungalow opposite my eldest niece. Ena used to give football magazines to my nieces young sons. I visited Phil and Ena a number of times, Ena was always quick to put the kettle on, whilst Phil sat in an arm chair smoking his pipe.

Phil and Ena married in 1937, they had 5 children, 16 grand children and 13 grand children. Phil served in the Coldstream Guards during WWII. He was in a Reconnaissance Platoon (and often found himself behind enemy lines). He also did sentry duty outside Buckingham Palace (he remembered it getting bombed once whilst he was on duty). He was a very tall man who for many years acted has the Standard Bearer for the Hull Branch.

Sadly Phil and many others like him from this 'Special Breed' are now fast fading away. It was my pleasure and honour to have known him. Rest in Peace Phil.

A Special Tribute to a British WWII Veteran, and a Gentleman.

Copyright of all images and work displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.
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5 comments:

  1. nothing profound5 January 2011 at 00:35

    Sounds like he had a rich and purposeful life. Somehow, the boundaries of right and wrong were clearer and less confusing then.

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  2. Christine H.5 January 2011 at 04:51

    What a wonderful tribute!

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  3. Unknown5 January 2011 at 16:15

    Thank you both both for posting a comment. Yes I guess he had a happy and purposeful life, and in that era things were much more clearer (and to a greater degree a lot better in many aspects). I like to think that is a worthy tribute to one old soldier (from a younger one).

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  4. The Divorcee9 January 2011 at 17:59

    Hi Trevor

    Do you have any more pictures? this was my grandad and i was always too young to watch the paraids. anything you might have i would really be greatfull.

    Kat Fisher
    Angel_loci@hotmail.com

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  5. Unknown10 January 2011 at 16:13

    Hello Kat, The photos I uploaded here as a tribute to your Grandad I came across in three boxes of prints I have at the 8" x 10" size. I have other photos of the Hull Branch of the Normandy Veterans. You can have copies of any photos I have of Phil (your grandad). I will get in touch with you to arrange a meeting (so that I can hand you some prints over). My Deepest Sorry at such a sad loss. I hope you have many fond reminders of your Grandad. Thank you for getting in touch.

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