Morris, Philip Henry (Flying Officer, b.1921 - d.1945)

Collection relating to the Second World War service of 423161 Flying Officer Philip Henry Morris, 153 Squadron and 150 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, at sea, Canada, and the United Kingdom, 1943-1945; 2008.

Wallet 1 of 1 – Consists of one diary transcription of Flying Officer Philip Henry Morris [location of original diaries are unknown]. This transcription was compiled by Flying Officer Morris’ brother, 402382 Flight Lieutenant Frank Charles Morris, and contains a forward by his nephew, Norman Morris. The diary entries, dated between 15 January 1943 and 19 March 1945 cover the period of Flying Officer Morris’ embarkation, training in Canada and the United Kingdom, and service with 153 Squadron and 150 Squadron, based in England. In his diary, Flying Officer Morris writes about embarkation, disembarking on the west coast of America, travelling by train to their camp in eastern Canada, participating in winter sports, struggling with the very cold weather, receiving mail from home, sightseeing, his first impressions of the service flying training school at Aylmer, Ontario, attending lectures, going on leave, becoming familiar with Harvard aircraft, flying solo, doing regular flying practice, the success rate of trainee pilots, passing his final pilot test, and spending time in New York City. He then goes on to write about his journey to England, completing his advanced flying training course, air raids, doing his operational training, having flights cancelled due to poor weather, converting to Lancaster aircraft, buying a car, being posted to his squadron, and participating in numerous bombing operations over Germany. The transcription also includes notes by Frank Morris on the service and death of Flying Officer Morris, incorporating photographs and copies of log book pages.

Flying Officer Philip Morris Henry enlisted to the Royal Australian Air Force on 20 June 1942. After his initial flying training, he travelled to Canada to complete his service flying training. Flying Officer Morris then undertook his operational training in the United Kingdom, and went on to serve as a pilot with 153 and 150 Squadrons. With these squadrons, Flying Officer Morris participated in bombing operations over Germany. On 24 March 1945, Flying Officer Morris’ aircraft was heavily damaged by flak, requiring the crew to bail out. However, upon safely reaching the ground, Flying Officer Morris and three other crewmembers were murdered by German nationals. Flying Officer Morris is buried at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Germany.