27 Facts About Philip Game

Sir Philip Woolcott Game was a Royal Air Force commander, who later served as Governor of New South Wales and Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis.

Philip Game retired from the military in 1929, having reached the rank of air vice-marshal.

In March 1930, Philip Game was appointed Governor of New South Wales, serving during a time of political instability and coming into conflict with the NSW Labor government over attempts to abolish the New South Wales Legislative Council.

Philip Game dismissed the Government of Premier Jack Lang in May 1932.

Philip Game held it during the tumultuous 1930s, the 1936 abdication crisis and the Second World War, before retiring at the end of the war in Europe in 1945.

Philip Game was born in Streatham, Surrey, on 30 March 1876 to George Beale Philip Game, a merchant from Broadway, Worcestershire, and his wife Clara Vincent.

Philip Game later won the Royal United Services Institute Gold Medal Essay.

In early 1916 Philip Game transferred to the Royal Flying Corps as a result of Hugh Trenchard's request for an experienced staff officer to serve in his headquarters.

Philip Game transferred to the Royal Air Force on its creation in 1918.

Philip Game retired suddenly on 1 January 1929, at the age of 52, allegedly owing to the rumours of his being appointed Chief of the Air Staff.

At the height of the Great Depression, Philip Game was appointed Governor of New South Wales in March 1930.

Philip Game arrived in Sydney with his family in May 1930.

On 30 June 1930, Philip Game was appointed by King George V a Knight of Grace of the Venerable Order of St John.

Philip Game later informed the Dominions Secretary, James Henry Thomas, on 29 March 1931 that he was not convinced that Lang would lose an election at this time.

Philip Game again refused, offering 21 appointments, which were enough to pass some of the legislation but not the most controversial bills, including the bill to default on debts.

Finally, in a compromise move with Lang, on 19 November 1931 Philip Game assented to 25 appointments, reasoning that it would not be possible to refuse Lang's requests until the Privy Council case was resolved.

In March 1932, in anticipation of the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, when Lang decided that he would cut the ribbon and incurred the displeasure of the King, Philip Game reassured the King that Lang had the right to cut the ribbon.

The ribbon was hastily reattached and Lang opened the bridge with Philip Game looking on, and he later gave a speech commemorating the occasion.

Philip Game advised Lang that in his view this action was illegal, and that if Lang did not reverse it he would dismiss the government.

On 13 May 1932 Philip Game dismissed Lang's government and appointed the UAP leader, Bertram Stevens, as Premier.

Philip Game himself felt his decision was the right one, despite his personal liking of Lang.

Lady Philip Game was President of the District and Bush Nursing Associations and the Girl Guides Association.

In honour of their service to the state, Ku-ring-gai Municipal Council named a major road in Lindfield as Lady Philip Game Drive and a nearby park as Sir Phillip Philip Game Reserve.

Not long after his appointment Philip Game was responsible for policing the funeral of King George V and the 1937 Coronation of George VI and Elizabeth.

Towards the end of his time as Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Philip Game worked to establish a boys' club.

On 2 May 1945 Philip Game was appointed a Knight Grand Cross in the Civil Division of the Order of the Bath ; and he retired soon after on 1 June 1945.

Philip Game died at his home, Blakenhall, Sevenoaks, Kent, on 4 February 1961, survived by his wife, daughter and by his elder son, who had married Vera Blackburn, daughter of Sir Charles Blackburn.