Lord Phillips of Ellesmere KBE FRS in interview with Dr Max Blythe: Interview 2

In this second of six interviews Lord Phillips of Ellesmere KBE FRS begins by talking of his later years at Oswestry High School, the strong interests in history that continued and growing interests in mathematics and chemistry that led to sixth form science studies and a university scholarship in 1942 with a wartime drafting into physics and radiocommunications studies, not chemistry as originally planned. Undergraduate years in Cardiff are the subject of major discussion, revealing the blend of academic, social and sports interests that emerged in this first period of independence, also a chance introduction to x-ray crystallography that arose through contact with RG Wood, a student of Sir Lawrence Bragg, now a radio-communications lecturer at University College Cardiff. Service in the Home Guard and becoming a corporal is then recalled, followed by reference to the selection procedure by which post-graduate entry to the Royal Navy was negotiated in 1944, a meeting involving CP Snow. Details of training at HMS Victory and other naval establishments for service in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve follow, including the discovery of marksmanship skills. Particularly there is reference to radar studies at HMS Collingwood before a first attachment to a ship, in this case aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious, then being refitted at Rosyth for service in the Pacific. The war in Europe had just ended, and by the time sea trials on jet landing strategies were completed so too was the war in the Pacific, bringing a short wartime career to a close. A decision to return to Cardiff and complete the honours degree cut short by war time contingencies is then explained, also the opportunity to undertake PhD studies in x-ray crystallography with AJC Wilson, reader in physics, beginning by constructing x-ray apparatus from Army surplus equipment and, on Wilson's direction, investigating the structures of ephedrine crystals - ephedrine hydrochloride and ephedrine bromide. Some discussion of methodology, technical challenges and early work on crystal structure follows, with reference to a first paper on crystal symmetry. Finally, the attraction of a Canadian government post-doctoral fellowship scheme leads to an appointment in the National Research Council Laboratories in Ottawa, a story taken up in Interview III. The departure from England in 1951 and early thoughts on Canada bring this interview to a close, although not before a range of reflections on contemporary developments in x-ray crystallography.

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