In 1939 he was living with and assisting farming for Sergeant Selley's family at Lower Bulston. The son of Ernest and Emma (nee Pike), he married Monica Cobbledick in 1952. In March 1956 Philip was seriously injured when the rear wheel of his tractor passed over his chest.
| Unit or location | Role | Posted from | until |
|---|---|---|---|
| Branscombe Patrol | Patrol member | 17 Jun 1940 | 03 Dec 1944 |
Farmer
It appears from Sue Dymond's research for The Branscombe Project, that certainly Collins, Selway and Dunn seem to have remained in their Home Guard rolls after they were recruited as Auxiliers. They are recorded on Action Station documents dated 1942 as manning machine gun posts around the village and coastlines. They may have decided that within such a small and close community that any perceived lack of civil defence work by able bodied men would be noticed and questioned.
Evidence appears to suggest the locals knew something else was going on anyway !
Due to his good eyesight Phil Selway would often lead the way when they reconnoitred the cliff edges in the dark. He liked to hide behind bushes then emerge once they had past so suddenly he was at the rear.
TNA ref WO199/3391
1939 Register
Branscombe Project
01 March 1956 - Express and Echo
The Sidmouth Herald 29th April 2005