Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Completed by St Ignatius College

At the age of 26, Philip Wesley Hart answered the call of duty by leaving behind the comforts of his home and a promising career as a mining engineer. He accepted his duty as a Flying Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II with a strong determination shaped by the ANZAC spirit. His unwavering devotion to his country and fellow soldiers, despite the tragic end to his short life in the skies above Scotland, serves as a touching reminder of the sacrifices undertaken in the name of honour. Hart will be recognised and respected for many decades to come thanks to his legacy of tenacity and devotion to helping others.

Son of Arthur Philip Hart, Philip was raised in a close-knit family in Clarendon, South Australia, with his two brothers, Max and David, and his sister, Erica. Philip's upbringing was characterised by strong family values and his pride in community. The family moved to 21 Zinc Cottages near Broken Hill, New South Wales, where Philip began demonstrating his strong work ethic. After completing his education at a young age at his father's school, he pursued a career as a mining engineer and demonstrated his commitment and analytical mind. Philip always made time for his family, even in the face of his demanding job, a quality remembered by people who knew him well. His life was marked by a calm resolve and a feeling of responsibility, traits that would eventually define his Air Force career. Philip's steady demeanour made a lasting impression on everyone in his life and embodied the spirit he would reveal throughout his military service.

Like many young men of his day, Philip felt a strong feeling of duty to protect his nation when war broke out. After joining the RAAF on July 16, 1941, he was acknowledged for his abilities and commitment right away. As a Flying Officer, Philip had to train for a position that demanded both technical acumen and composure under duress. Philip met the challenging requirements of his training with the same tenacity that had characterised his entire life. He performed his job exceptionally well, winning the respect of both his superiors and colleagues. He was a model officer because of his strong work ethic and leadership abilities, which he developed during his time as a mining engineer.

As the war continued, Philip was stationed at different locations as a member of the RAAF. As a Flying Officer, his job was to navigate the skies over Europe, which was a dangerous assignment given the unpredictability of the weather and the constant threat of enemy fire. In spite of these obstacles, Philip never wavered in his dedication to his goal. He downplayed the risks he faced on a regular basis in his reassuring letters home to his family. Frequently, he wrote about his fellow airmen, calling them his "brothers in arms," a testament to the strong camaraderie that developed during those dangerous times.

Philip was assigned an assignment in 1944 that would put his bravery and tenacity to the test. He was asked to train a young flying officer and during one of his demonstrations, while flying over Scotland on February 27, 1944, with his navigator John Webster Christie, Philip's aircraft ran into bad weather. One of the worst snow storms the area had experienced in years, the storm left almost no visibility and made navigation nearly impossible due to the forceful winds. In spite of the dangerous circumstances, Philip did not waver in his responsibility as the pilot. Attempting to land the aircraft, Bristol Beaufighter JL449, Philip had been instructed by Flying Control to try and find another approach, but he continued and crashed in the Scottish hills 20 miles east-northeast of Edinburgh. Unfortunately, Philip Wesley Hart lost his life along with John Christie in this truly tragic event.

Philip's family suffered a great loss upon learning of his passing. Arthur, his father, was devastated by his son's passing. His mother and siblings experienced deep sadness and grief. The family was forced to deal with the loss of their beloved son and brother who had given his life in the service of his nation during the war, just like so many other young men. Philip was remembered by all as a young man who had embodied the virtues of devotion and selflessness.

The life and service of Philip Wesley Hart serves as a tribute to the tenacity and camaraderie of the ANZACs. His will to succeed as a Flying Officer, in spite of the challenging requirements of training and the ongoing risks of the war, demonstrated great resilience. Philip never wavered in his devotion to his mission, not even in the face of overwhelming odds. His close relationships with his fellow flying officers, whom he treated with the same decency and companionship as his own family, were a testament to his mateship. Like the stories of so many other World War II veterans, Philip's is one of bravery in the face of difficulty. His enthusiasm to serve in spite of the risks is a great example of the selflessness at the heart of the ANZACs. His unfortunate death serves as a reminder of both the high price of war and the unwavering determination of those who have sacrificed their lives for their country.

Hart's story also serves as a reminder of the personal sacrifices made by those who served. The experience of other young Australians who departed from their homes and families to fight far away is reflected in his journey from a small town in South Australia to the skies over Europe. Like Philip, these young men were frequently motivated by a sense of responsibility and a desire to defend their country. This meant leaving behind the life he had made for himself and his work as a mining engineer. It meant demonstrating the bravery and resolve to face unknown risks of war.

In the St Martin’s New Burial Ground, Haddington, Scotland, Section E, Grave 20, lies the remains of Philip Wesley Hart. Many airmen from the Commonwealth who fought and died in World War II have their final resting place in this cemetery. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission cares for Philip's and his fellow airmen's graves, ensuring that their services are honoured and remembered. St Martin’s peaceful, immaculate grounds are a moving memorial to the bravery and selflessness of those who fought and lost their lives in remote locations.

Bibliography:

-          Awm.gov.au. (2024). English Channel and North Sea 1939-1945. [online] Available at: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/E84462

-          Awm.gov.au. (n.d.). Philip Wesley Hart. [online] Available at: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1720371

-          Commonwealth War Graves Commission. (2014). Photos of FO Philip Wesley Hart - Find a Grave... [online] Available at: https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2812548/philip-wesley-hart/

-          Ee138.net. (2024a). Brian Percival Bidstrup. [online] Available at: http://www.ee138.net/bidstrup.html

-          Ee138.net. (2024b). Philip Hart. [online] Available at: http://www.ee138.net/hart.html

-          Findagrave.com. (2014). Photos of FO Philip Wesley Hart - Find a Grave... [online] Available at: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/136591681/philip_wesley-hart/photo

-          Harro Ranter (2015). Accident Bristol Beaufighter Mk VIc JL449, Sunday 27 February 1944. [online] Flightsafety.org. Available at: https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/162758

-          Terrace, V. (n.d.). Digital Item Page Gallery. [online] Naa.gov.au. Available at: https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Gallery151/dist/JGalleryViewer.aspx?B=5381932&S=1&N=42&R=0#/SearchNRetrieve/NAAMedia/ShowImage.aspx?B=5381932&T=P&S=11

-          Vwma.org.au. (2024). Philip Wesley HART. [online] Available at: https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/511546

-          Philip Nelson. “Hart Family Photo Collection” Received by Chelsea Marks, 16th March 2024.

-          Libbie Nelson. “Hart Family Photo Collection” Received by Chelsea Marks, 14th March 2024.

-          Peter Hart. “Hart Family Photo Collection” Received by Chelsea Marks, 14th March 2024.

-          Kathleen Hart. “Hart Family Photo Collection” Received by Chelsea Marks, 14th March 2024.