John Severne Philps Equerry 58-61
Looking back I think John Severne ** rather 'managed' Philips Turb hop, but kept it tight lipped to avoid RAF red tape.
As Philips equerry his 'day job' mainly revolved around organising flights, and accompanying P on official engagements.
However John (Later AVM Sir John Severne) was no stranger to 'arranging' his own luck, as he did after completing pilot training just as the war finished.
He completed wings training after a Cranwell short course, and was sent on 'indefinite leave' prior to reporting to transport command. However a few months into this sabbatical he was contacted by a fellow student who was on a Mosquito course up north, and invited up for a weekend. Up he goes in his BSA Three wheeler, and was mightily impressed to the point that he approached the CFI to see if he could join the course, who to his amazement said 'yes' start tomorrow !!. Suffice to say after going back to Kent to collect his uniform he started two days later (not having ever done a basic Twin conversion !) The matter of a transfer from T command was all done after he started the course. He later wrangled a trip in a Hornet fighter in a similar (John) fashion. Thats enough, read the book, Silvered Wings P writes the FWD. Would be Nice to hear about Philips 'Harvard' days.
** Tiger Club member