Louis Pengelly-Phillips

Resident of The Royal Star & Garter Homes, Richmond,

July 1980 – June 2014

Louis Pengelly-Phillips was a much-loved resident at The Royal Star & Garter Homes for 34 years, and was formerly a Sergeant in 48 Royal Marines Commando from 1943 to 1951.

Louis grew up in Somerset and enlisted with the Royal Marines in 1943. He was selected to join a unit protecting Winston Churchill and the D-Day Plans during the Quebec Conference in Canada. On board the Queen Mary, Louis was assigned to guard Churchill, for whom he had to present arms or “I would have been in trouble!” even when Churchill was in his pyjamas. Louis was part of the guard who protected Stalin and Roosevelt, and shook hands with both men.

Back in England, Churchill thanked Louis personally for looking after him and awarded him a medal. Louis then underwent training with 48 Royal Marines Commando and was in the first wave of men sent ashore to Gold Beach during D-Day.

When his unit reached Germany, Louis was shot in the leg and sent home to recuperate. He rejoined his unit as they were training to go to Burma to fight the Japanese, and where they were involved in the liberation of Rangoon. Louis was proud to have been in the Royal Marines.

In 1980, Louis’ health deteriorated and he went to live at The Royal Star & Garter Homes, where he enjoyed all activities, especially skittles, darts and dominoes. He was delighted when he won and let everybody know about it.

Vice Admiral Sir John Dunt, Chairman of the Charity’s Body of Governors, said of Louis:

“In Military Service, one meets many outstanding and courageous people, but Louis was exceptional: his courage and fearlessness, as well as his love of life, set him apart. Louis will be greatly missed by the residents and staff at The Royal Star & Garter Homes.”