Sir Philip Bridges, former chief justice of The Gambia, died at his home in Suffolk, England, on 26th December, aged 85.

Sir Philip was born in 1922.  From 1942 - 1947 he served in the British army, attaining the rank of captain.  Thereafter, he qualified as a solicitor and notary public, and in 1954 came to The Gambia as lands officer and legal assistant.

Sir Philip became assistant attorney-general in 1956 and solicitor-general in 1963. At Independence in 1965 he was a member of the Cabinet.

He subsequently served as chief justice until the early 1980s.

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