Gp Capt Phil Langrill OBE
 

Very sadly, Phil Langrill died yesterday at Rhosneigr aged 84. He joined the RAF on National Service before training as a pilot on a short-service commission. His first squadron was at Khormaksar flying Hunters, continuing to West Raynham then Valley as a QFI. He did an exchange with the Luftwaffe as QFE/IRE on F-104Gs at Jever. Now on the permanent list, he became on promotion to RAF Finningley as OC the Jet Provost Sqn. He followed this with a diplomatic post to Malaysia then returned to Valley [he had had a house at Rhosneigr] as a Wing Commander. His penultimate posting was as Air Advisor at Delhi and he followed this as OC RAF Newton.
I was privileged to have flown with Phil both at both Finningley and Valley; there was never a dull moment. Sadly, his last few years were blighted with increasing dementia which was devastating for his family and those who knew him. Phil is survived by his widow Joan, his sons, Mark and Christopher and five grandchildren.

I'm sad to learn this. When he was Stn Cdr at Newton I remember him coming along to fly on a fairly regular basis. He always got on well with the students and we often enjoyed some of his hilarious anecdotes, especially the one dating back to his time on Hunters where a formation had to be sent up to cross out a very rude vapour trail that he'd inadvertently made on a weather check flight

RIP and condolences to his family.

Very sad to hear this. Phil was an absolute gentleman in everything he did. His catchphrase, spoken as only Phil could do, was "It wasn't like this on HUNTERS!' Blue skies, Phil.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....35b825b3d9.jpg
Phil Langrill in red Luftwaffe flying suit, JP Squadron, Finningley circa 1980.

RIP Phil. You were one of the finest.
Alamo, could you pm me. I would like to have a copy of the photo

Is the fella 3rd from the left one MW, Navigator of this parish but actually a better pilot than many of the 2-winged master race?

Very sad news.

A small correction, if I may, to the CV given by the OP. Phil's first operational Squadron was indeed 8 Sqn at Khormaksar, but before that he did a tour as a Vampire QFI at Valley - I was one of his first pair of students there in 1962-63. He was a great guy to fly with, and we stayed in touch until a few years ago. I had been unaware of his dementia: very sad to hear that.

RIP Phil.

Thud, I’d say so, although I hope he had his eyes open when I flew with him.

I can recall certain of his exploits in, out of (and in the most “interesting”, almost out of) a certain little biplane….

No. There are two navs in the image, JF and NH, but no MW.

Thanks Alamo - he obvs has a doppelganger. Shy, we're definitely talking about the same one - he could operate the Chinook better than many drivers too.

No, I’m fairly sure that’s a gentleman named Nigel Adams, I went through Syerston or maybe Valley with him on the same course.