Phil Fitchett began his RAF Police career in April 1974 when he joined the Royal Air Force. Following successful completion of Basic Training at RAF Swinderby, a driving course at RAF St Athan, and Police training at RAF Debden, he received his first posting to RAF Honington in October 1974. The station, part of RAF Strike Command, operated on a 24/7 basis. Phil’s primary responsibilities involved Special Duties 814, focusing on the security of nuclear aircraft and storage facilities.
Over the following five years, Phil served at RAF Bruggen in Germany before returning to RAF Honington, continuing his role within Special Duties 814. In 1979, he was posted to RAF Aldergrove in Northern Ireland, serving until his departure from the RAF in August 1980.
In 1981, Phil transitioned to the private sector, joining the Chateau Investigation Bureau in Cambridge—an agency established by former Metropolitan Police officers. His role there was dynamic and diverse, encompassing undercover surveillance, photographic services, process serving, interviews, tracing, divorce and civil inquiries, and general private investigations. The work was an exciting contrast to his military experience.
In the late 1980s, Phil returned to his hometown of Burton upon Trent. In 1992, he joined Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK. Over the next 15 years, he worked as a Team Leader in the Paint Shop before qualifying as a certified Paint and Plastics Skills Trainer and Assessor. In this role, he spent seven years training both new recruits and existing team members in essential production skills.
Now semi-retired, Phil continues to contribute part-time at Toyota UK. Initially involved in establishing a new Production Apprentice Scheme, he now works within the recruitment team, helping assess candidates aspiring to join the company.
Phil remains actively involved in the Royal Air Force Police Association. He has served as Branch Secretary for the East Midlands, been a member of the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) Memorial Committee, and now currently holds the position of Vice-Chair of the Association.
Greetings Phil, just a quick hello from an old RAF Honington D shift member, LAC Acting Cpl Joey Toner first post out of RAF Debden. If I have you placed correctly did Bob Waring get put onto your shift out of RAF Debden. He had been the Head Man on my basic course. Anyway Phil just thought I would pass a comment and congratulate your appointment. This is one of the rare occasions that I visit the site and nice to see a name I remembered. Well done Sir.