During the Second World War, Phillips served in the Royal Air Force in the Central Airphotographic Interpretation Unit and the Directorate of Military Survey. He was commissioned into the RAF as a pilot officer on probation on 26 May 1941.
Phillips' involvement with the Royal Air Force during World War II involved his work in the Central Airphotographic Interpretation Unit and the Directorate of Military Survey. His commission as a pilot officer on probation occurred on 26 May 1941.