Phillip was commissioned into the 97th (Kent Yeomanry) Field Regiment Royal Artillery in April 1936 and was promoted to Lieutenant in April 1939.
By the time the Kent Yeomanry went into action with the BEF in France during 1940, Phillip had reached the rank of Captain and was commanding ‘B’ Troop of 385 Battery. His troop is credited with firing the first British artillery shells of WW2.