The Gambia’s Solicitor General, who served during colonial and post independence days, has died at his home in Suffolk England.

Sir Philip Bridges, former Chief Justice of The Gambia during the rule of the PPP (Progressive Peoples Party) died the day after Christmas Day 2007.

Sir Philip was born in 1922 and attended Bedford School. He served in the British army from 1941 to 1947, rising to the rank of Captain. He later qualified a solicitor and notary public. He came to The Gambia in 1954 as Lands Officer and Legal Assistant. Mr. Bridges (as he was then known) became Assistant Attorney General in 1956 and Solicitor General in 1963; and was a member of Cabinet at Independence in 1965.

He subsequently served as Chief Justice until the early 1980’s. During the 1982 coup d’etat against the PPP Government, headed by the then President, Sir Kairaba Dawda Jawara, the inmates were let loose at Mile 2 Central Prison. The hardcore criminals sentenced by Sir Philip as Chief Justice sought to kill him. He then escaped to the British High Commission.

Sir Philip will be remembered for the importance he attached to his faith. According to sources close to the Anglican Mission in The Gambia, Sir Philip together with Tom Malleson General Manager of UAC (United Africa Company) was a pillar of St Paul’s Anglican Church in Fajara.

Sir Philip had a special place in his heart for The Gambia and briefly visited for the 25th anniversary of Independence in February 1990.

He is survived by his wife, Jill (Lady Bridges), who devotedly cared for him during his recent prolonged illness.