Phillip J Stanbury DFC 1921-1979

Gloster test pilots L-R Bee Beamont, Philip Stanbury,  Eric Greenwood and Cotes Preedy 

He joined the Bristol Aeroplane Company in 1938 as a student in their Aero Engine Department. In 1940 he joined the RAF as fighter pilot and was awarded the DFC in July 1942. He took a break from fighter duties from Jan to June 1942 in which time he flew as a Vickers Test Pilot at Castle Bromwich.

In June 1943 he went as a test pilot to the Gloster AIrcraft Company, and was subsequently their Chief test pilot. In May 1947 he joined Elliots of Newbury as their Chief Test Pilot. A year later he rejoined the RAF. Three years afterwards he left the service joining Vickers Armstrongs Servicing School in 1951. He moved to the Service Department in 1953. He was appointed assistant Service Manager at the Weybridge Works of Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) LTD in 1955.

Mr Stanbury has logged over 2000 hours flying on 46 different types including the Trent Meteor. He was closely connected with the Viscount from its early days,and accompanied the prototype on its winterisation and proving flights in North America.