We have been informed by his family of the extremely sad news that Phil Ward passed away this weekend.
Phil was a wonderful man who seemed forever young – always with a twinkle in his eye and such a wonderful sense of humour. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Phil kept active and involved with the Parachute Regiment right up until the last – only last month he was at the National Memorial Arboretum for the PRA service, where he gave the dedication.
Phil’s passing is also extremely poignant for the 9th Parachute Battalion Reunion club, as he was the last living veteran to land in Normandy as part of the 9th Battalion; he is survived only by Peter Lovett, who was transferred into the 9th Battalion after D-Day, during the Normandy campaign.
It remains just as important as ever for the family and friends of those who served in the 9th Battalion to uphold the memory of their achievements, and to ensure these wonderful men and their brave actions are not forgotten. We will remember them.
Rest in Peace, Phil.
Philip Ward was a dear Friend. I cannot believe he is gone; I thought he would live to be a centenarian as he looked so good last June when he hugged me vigorously.
We said we would meet again in June 2024, sadly it will not happen.
Thank you for your friendship and kindness over the years, Philip, you will not be forgotten. xxxx
Very sad news. If you can reach out to the family, Mark, and they can send me a good clear hi-rez photo, I’d like to draw Phil for them. No charge, of course.
I’d like to draw them all!!!
My dad would have known Phil and it’s a pleasure to immortalise these brave young men. And I say ‘young’ deliberately.
Thanks, Phil.