Philip Charles Hawkins was best known as Phil. His family was by his side.
Phil was described as a “very private family man” who was loyal, dedicated, and “very private”.
He is survived by his daughter Alison and grandson Matthew.
Phil began his career as a Rhyl resident at age 16 at the Rhyl Journal As an apprentice or ‘printer’s devil.
When delivering newspaper parcels on a handcart from Crosville Bus Station to Crosville, he was caught in a mock raid by the police, who used tear gas canisters to attack the High Street.
Alison stated that “colleagues recalled how, despite the shock and with streaming eyes my dad showed truegrit and managed the ensured the Journals’ safe delivery.
“His devotion to duty continued throughout his service with RAF where at the age of 19 he completed bomber aircraft crew training. His entire course was told to re-muster as the RAF didn’t need as many aircrews by that stage of the war and he was sent to RAF Valley to work in supply and logistics and spent time delivering fuel to the USAAF aircraft that were being delivered in and out of RAF Valley at the time.
“He recalled the good relations between the RAF, USAAF and the base and was happy to see Glenn Miller’s orchestra perform one of their final concerts.
“He also remembers seeing famous actors David Niven, an officer in the British Army, and Clark Gable (USAAF Aircrew) passing through.
Phil was recently invited to visit the airbase at Valley, where Squadron Leader Dave Williams said: “It is a rare honour to meet veterans from World War Two, and even rarer to meet those who were here at RAF Valley.
“It was great to show Phil around, we were able rekindle a few fond memories for him.
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Phil mentioned that Phil’s forced re-mustering as an aircrewman to a ground job may have saved his life due to the high casualty rate at Bomber Command. Bomber Command aircrew were at 50/50 of the chance of being wounded, killed or taken prisoner in World War Two. They had the highest death rate of any branch or service. Phil was well aware of this. His cousin, who was a bomber pilot with the Royal Canadian Air Force, was also killed.
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“That really brought home the sacrifice of that entire generation, and the debt we owe to them all.”
Phil was demobbed and returned to the Rhyl JournalHe was responsible for training others in the operation of heavy-duty printing machinery.
He became the last “Father of the Chapel” (union shop steward) at the closure and relocation of the Journal 1969
Alison stated that Phil decided to leave Rhyl instead of starting a new business in Crescent Road. Crescent Press was a successful venture that he managed for almost 30 years. He then retired to take care of his wife Olwyn.
Phil’s lifelong involvement with the RAF saw him become a founder member of the Rhyl and Abergele branch of the RAFA in 1947, where he held the roles of chairman over 27 years. He was president for eighteen years, secretary, Wings appeal officers, life president, North Wales secretary for more than 40 year, and Standard bearer until his late 80s.
Alison shared, “My father became a beloved and familiar figure in later years. You could see him riding his bike every day along the prom from Splash Point towards the Harbour up until his 93rd birthday.
“Dad was loved and admired by all who met him. He was a gentle man who never complained and asked for nothing. This made it hard for me to care for him as his age increased. I had to guess what he needed in order to live in his bungalow on Spruce Avenue until the end.
“He was faithful, loving, lovable, dependable.”
Phil will be celebrated by his family.
Alison can be contacted at [email protected] if anyone would like to attend, or to send stories, photographs, and tributes.