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We were deeply saddened earlier this week to learn of the passing of our dear friend, Mrs. Clara “Elizabeth” Phillips who died at the age of 88.  

Mrs. Phillips was a secretary in Special Branch for many years but “Mrs Phillips” was well known to everyone who worked at Police Headquarters  because of her lovely personality and always friendly smile -  even for those of us who did not work in Special Branch.

SPECIAL BRANCH -  1991

Back row (l-r)  D.C’s Paul Wright, Mark Vincent, Clive Williams, Gary Staines, and Steve Parkinson, C.O. Timothy Hayward,
D.C’s Steve Nurse, Miguel Medford, Michael Jent, Brendan O’Brian, Hatten Phillips and Wayne Hodgson
Middle row – D.C’s Mark Patterson, and Iain Morrison, D/Sgt Kevin Reeves, D.C. Calvin Fox, W.D.C’s Beverly Hopkins,
and Desiree Woods, D/Sgts Gregory Grimes, David O’Meara, and Owen Watson, and D.C. Kevin Mayes
Front row -  Mrs Elizabeth Phillips, D/Insps Foster Burke and Lionel Haynes, Supt Andrew Bermingham, S.C.O. Gordon Phillips,
D/Ch.Insp William, Butterworth. D/Insp Oliver Bain, D/Sgt Archie Husbands, and Miss Deborah Simms
 

Retired Superintendent Andrew Bermingham who was Head of “E” Department for many years describes her as follows:-

'Elizabeth was the best of the best and devoted her life to the police and family.

Elizabeth worked in Special Branch as secretary to the officer in charge and saw first hand the often tragic events of the 1960’s into the 1990s. Loyalty, discretion, good humour, and the ability to work under intense pressure was her trademark.

She was awarded the Queens Certificate and Badge of Honour in 1993.  At home she devoted herself to caring for her disabled husband.

A life of devoted service to family and Bermuda - “Well done thy good and faithful servant “ '

Andrew Bermingham 

There will be a Celebration of Life Service for “Mrs Phillips”, at the Southampton Seventh-day Adventist Church, Middle Road, Southampton, at 3pm on Thursday 17th August 2023

On behalf of all of our ExPo we express our sincere condolences to her family and to many friends.