William Raigersfeld Phillimore

Captain (retired) William Raigersfeld Phillimore, C.B.E., (24 March, 1884 – 3 May, 1950) was an officer in the Royal Navy.

Life & Career

Phillimore was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 30 April, 1906.

He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Commander on 30 April, 1914.

He was appointed as gunnery officer of Benbow on 12 January, 1914. After a wire from the Commander-in-Chief on 7 March, 1915 advised, "this officer is not suitable for so important a ship as Benbow, though very zealous and suitable for a smaller vessel", Phillimore was removed from her two days later.

Following the C-in-C's directive, after a very brief stint at Pembroke Gunnery School, Phillimore was appointed to light cruiser Conquest as first and gunnery officer on 26 March. He would remain in her over three years, leaving when she paid off on 13 July, 1918.

Phillimore was slightly injured on 15 June, 1918 and was able to return to duty. He was promoted to the rank of Commander on 30 June.

He would finish out the war as gunnery officer in Coventry, appointed to her on 24 July, 1918 and being thanked for his good service when she was mined on 10 September. He left her on 1 April, 1921.

On 7 February, 1928, he was declared bankrupt.

He was appointed in command of the monitor Marshal Soult on 15 July, 1929. He was superseded on 26 September, 1930.

Phillimore was promoted to the rank of Captain on 24 March, 1931 and placed on the Retired List by his own request that same day.

World War II

Phillimore served as Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate in 1938-39. In 1940, he was sent ashore with thrombosis, leaving him paralysed on his left side but able to speak. Massage, hospitalisation and a stay at home returned him to a fit state by May, 1944.

Service Records

• The National Archives. ADM 196/49. f. 110.