Philip Tower

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Major-General Philip Tower, CB, DSO, MBE. Born 1 March 1917 Rhu, Dunbartonshire. Died 8 December 2006. General Officer Commanding Middle East Land Forces, May 1967.

The only son of Vice Admiral Sir Thomas Tower. Educated Harrow College and Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. He married Elizabeth Sneyd-Kynnersley; no children.

Commissioned into the Royal Artillery 1937. Served with 25th Field Regiment, R.A. in India until the outbreak of war. Fought against the Italians 1940-41 (appointed MBE). Served at the battle of Bir Hacheim May 1942. When General Neil Ritchie abandoned the Gazala Line, the garrison at Tobruk was left isolated and Tower’s force fought until their ammunition was exhausted, when they surrendered (appointed DSO). Tower was interred in a prisoner-of-war camp in Italy until the Italians surrendered in September 1943. He then escaped and crossed through the German lines reaching safety in November 1943. He was appointed Brigade Major, R.A. of the 1st Airborne Division April 1944. He parachuted at Arnhem and was safely evacuated. He accompanied 1st Air Landing Regiment, R.A. in the relief of Norway, Spring 1945. He was appointed CB 1967 and was put in command of Royal Military College, Sandhurst. Retired from the army 1972.

Administrator Blickling Hall, Norfolk 1973-82. County commissioner for the Norfolk St John Ambulance Brigade 1975-78.