The Honourable Philip Connolly DSC VRD |
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![]() Connolly in 1943
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22nd Minister of Defence | |
In office 12 December 1957 – 12 December 1960 |
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Prime Minister | Walter Nash |
Preceded by | Dean Eyre |
Succeeded by | Dean Eyre |
Personal details | |
Born | 14 November 1899 Dunedin, New Zealand |
Died | 13 February 1970 Dunedin, New Zealand |
Political party | Labour |
Spouse(s) | Phyllis Mirfin (1929-1934†) Molly Noton (1943-1970) |
Children | 5 |
Profession | Engineer |
Military service | |
Allegiance |
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Rank |
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Battles/wars | World War II |
Philip George Connolly DSC VRD (14 November 1899 – 13 February 1970) was a New Zealand politician of the Labour Party.
Connoly was born in Dunedin on 14 November 1899 to Hugh Babbington Connolly and Evelyn Emily Connolly (née Smith). He was educated at McAndrew Road School and Otago Boys High School until leaving school in 1914 upon the death of his father to work for a living as an apprentice fitter. Connolly first developed an interest in politics upon the formation of the Labour Party in 1916. He also worked in the NZR Hillside Workshops.
During World War II Connolly served in the Royal New Zealand Navy in both the Atlantic and Pacific, commanding the minesweeper ship HMS Deodar and antisubmarine vessel HMNZS Moa. He was decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross in 1941 for his service in safeguarding Channel convoys.
Connolly represented the Dunedin West electorate from 1943 to 1946, and then the Dunedin Central electorate from 1946 to 1963, when he retired. He narrowly missed selection for a cabinet portfolio under Peter Fraser, though in 1947 was elected as the Labour Party's junior Whip, being elevated to the senior Whip in 1951.