Commando Edition 17 2023

Over time, displaying the qualities that saw him
through Korea, Vietnam and beyond, Phillip was
appointed Chief of the General Staff in 1982. He
became the first Chief of the Australian Defence Force
(CDF) in 1984 when the new overarching position was
created.
During this period of change many issues were in
play within the Defence Force and also between the
civilian and military components of the Defence
Department. With his quiet and dignified manner but
steely determination, coupled with his deep military
knowledge, Phillip dealt with the organizational politics
that arose. He oversaw significant changes during his
tenure.
While in office he was bestowed a knighthood. No
CDF since has been granted this honour. As Sir Phillip
he retired from the Defence Force in 1987 and soon
after was appointed Governor of Tasmania. During his
eight years as Governor, with periods of political
turmoil, he dealt with matters in his firm but considered
manner.
Over the years Phillip maintained his relationship
with the Victorian Commandos. He was the life patron
of their Association and attended formal functions. He
unveiled the newly dedicated Rip memorial at
Queenscliff in the year 2000 and attended many annual
observances. He was later a life patron of the Australian
Commando Association.
Returning to Canberra in his final ‘retirement’, Sir
Phillip served as chair of the War Memorial Anzac
Foundation, as president of the Order of Australia
Association, with Legacy, and enjoyed golf with his wife
Margaret.
Phillip and Margaret lived for a number of years in
Ainslie, Canberra. Margaret predeceased him and he
remained in Ainslie but later moved to a residence in
Kyneton, near his daughter Jane and her family.
Phillip was the devoted husband of Margaret and
beloved father of Michael (deceased), Jane and
Stephen and father-in-law to Sue, Chris and Anneleen.
He greatly adored his grandchildren and great grand -
children.
Officers Commanding. Former 2 Commando Company OCs at the
Company’s golden jubilee dinner at the Power House, Melbourne,
in 2005. Rear: Chris Wallis, Michael Hoffman; seated: Bill Billett,
inaugural 2 Cdo Coy OC Peter Seddon, and Phillip Bennett.
Photo Sean Burton.
A military service to honour Phillip’s life of dis -
tinguished service was held in the Anzac Memorial
Chapel at the Royal Military College, Duntroon.
Governor General David Hurley, former GG Sir Peter
Cosgrove, Australian RSL president and Australian
Commando Association president Greg Melick, former
serving comrades and many friends attended to say
farewell and support Phillip’s family.
A number of former 2 Commando Company
members, some of whom served under Phillip,
travelled from Victoria and elsewhere to pay their last
respects. At the formal military procession Don
Bergman, Doug Knight, Bruce O’Connor and Peter
Beasley gave the salute as the gun carriage bearing
Phillip went past. Steve Pilmore and George Wing were
also present.
A final farewell. Victorian ACA members, including some who
served under Phillip, pay their last respects as the gun carriage
cortege goes past.
Photo supplied.
A family affair. Then Governor General Michael Jeffery and his wife
Marlena, with Lady Margaret and Sir Phillip Bennett at the
2 Commando Company 50 th anniversary celebrations in 2005.
Photo Sean Burton.
As Major General Melick said of Phillip, “He was a
man of great humanity and compassion, with an
incredible work ethic and a great desire to serve his
country”.
oOo
58 COMMANDO ~ The Magazine of the Australian Commando Association ~ Edition 17 I 2023