Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

'ON HONOUR'S ROLL.

LIEUTENANT GEORGE PHILLIPS, M.S.M.

News has been received by Mr. and Mrs. James Phillips, of the Fire Brigade Station, Toowoomba, that their son, Lieut. George Phillips, M.S.M., had died of illness at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. Lieut. Phillips went away as a private with the 25th Machine Gun Company, and made rapid strides, the rank of sergeant being given him in the course of a few months. Personally, the soldier preferred to gain his commission in the field, but a superior officer recommended him going to England to get the finishing touches. These orders were obeyed, and it was while at Emmanuel College that he was stricken down with a fatal illness. Only a week before the news came to hand of his death, Mrs. Phillips received the much prized ribbon of the Meritorious Service Medal. Prior to enlisting Lieut. Phillips was employed by his father at his coachbuilding works in Russell-street, Toowoomba.' from The Brisbane Courier 3 Dec 1918 (nla.gov.au)

'Personal.

In November last the death occurred in England of Sergt. J. G. Phillips from pneumonia following on influenza. Sergt. Phillips, who was a son of Mr. J. Phillips, superintendent of the Toowoomba Fire Brigade, had three years' service to his credit and prior to his death had just gained his commission after a successful term at Cambridge. For his work in the field in France he was awarded the meritorious service medal but the young soldier died before the honour was presented to him. The Mayor of Toowoomba (Aid. T. S. Burstow) has now received the medal for presentation to Sergt. Phillips' parents and it is likely that it will be handed over on the first occasion that a suitable public gathering is held.' from Darling Downs Gazette 1 Jul 1919 (nla.gov.au)

The summary below was completed by Cathy Sedgwick (OAM) – Facebook “WW1 Australian War Graves in England/UK/Scotland/Ireland”

James George Phillips was born at Toowoomba, Queensland on 11th July, 1893 to parents James Robert and Eliza Josephine Phillips (nee Donald).

He enlisted in the Australia Imperial Force (A.I.F.) on 19th April, 1916 as a 22 year old, single, Coachbuilder (information provided by his mother for the Roll of Honour records he was a Carriage Painter in his father’s coachworks) care of Fire Station, Toowoomba, Queensland.

Private James George Phillips, Service number 438, embarked from Melbourne, Victoria on HMAT Port Lincoln (A17) on 20th October, 1916 with the 3rd Machine Gun Company, 6th Reinforcements. He transferred to HMAT Ulysses (A38) at Sierra Leone on 5th December, 1916 & disembarked at Devonport, England on 28th December, 1916.

Reinforcements were only given basic training in Australia. Training was completed in training units in England. Some of these were located in the Salisbury Plain & surrounding areas in the county of Wiltshire.

On 29th December, 1916 Private Phillips was marched in to Australian Details at Perham Downs, Wiltshire.

He was transferred to 5th Divisional Machine Gun Company from Australian Details at Perham Downs on 13th February, 1917 & was taken on strength of 5th Div. M. G. Coy from 3rd Brigade M.G.C. on 13th February, 1917.

Private James George Phillips was appointed Lance Corporal on 23rd February, 1917 (under para 213 A.I.F. Orders dated 19/8/016).

Mr J. R. Phillips, father of Private James George Phillips, was advised by Base Records by telegram on 11th May, 1917 that his son had been wounded. Base Records contacted Mr J. R. Phillips on 31st July, 1917 stating that the information stated in the telegram dated 11th May, 1917 was now reported to be incorrect.

Private James George Phillips was reported wounded, now reported Not Wounded (undated).

From 27th May, 1917 to 1st June, 1917 Lance Corporal Phillips was marched in to 3rd Training Battalion at Durrington, Wiltshire from Perham Downs for bombing instruction.

He proceeded overseas to France via Southampton from No. 1 Camp at Parkhouse, Wiltshire on 7th September, 1917 & disembarked at Havre, France on 7th September, 1917.

Lance Corporal James George Phillips was promoted to Temporary Corporal on 30th September, 1917 vice 250 Cpl. G.  Ludivigan promoted to T/Sergt. on 29th September, 1917.

On 10th October, 1917 Temporary Corporal Phillips was promoted to Corporal, vice 1519 T/Sgt. Leon Blackwood to command rank.

He was promoted to Temporary Sergeant on 10th October, 1917, vice Sgt. Eldridge commissioned.

Temporary Sergeant Phillips was sent to Machine Gun School at Camiers on 7th December, 1917 & rejoined his Company on 3rd January, 1918.

On 10th January, 1918 Temporary Sergeant Phillips promoted to Sergeant, vice 4180 Sgt. S. G. Eldridge commissioned.

Sergeant James George Phillips, of 35th Australian Machine Gun Company. 5th Australian Division, was recommended for a Distinguished Conduct Medal or a Meritorious Service Medal on 3rd March, 1918. “At the Battle of Passchendaele, whilst under extremely heavy hostile shelling, this Sergeant showed an utter disregard for personal danger and his bearing throughout contributed largely to the excellent behaviour of the very young soldiers, in action for the first time, who comprised the two machine gun crews under control of this now commissioned officer. His devotion to duty and good soldierly qualities have been maintained to the present date. Date of before mentioned Battle 4.10.17 to 8.10.17.”

He was selected to proceed to England for Infantry Cadet course commencing on 10th May, 1918 & was detached from France on 20th April, 1918 to Officer’s Cadet Battalion in England.

On 10th May, 1918 Sergeant Phillips joined 2nd Officers Cadet Battalion and was appointed Cadet & was to attend Machine Gun Course on completion of Infantry School.

Sergeant James George Phillips was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (Commonwealth of Australia Gazette – 7th November, 1918, page 2114 & London Gazette – 17th June, 1918, page 114).

New designation for Sergeant James George Phillips – 5th Machine Gun Battalion (Auth AIF Order No. 1151).

He was sent sick to 1st Eastern General Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England on 21st October, 1918 & was admitted the same day dangerously ill – cause N.Y.D. (not yet determined).

Sergeant James George Phillips died at 01.15 am on 1st November, 1918 at 1st Eastern General Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England from Influenza.

He was buried in Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England.

(The above is a summary of my research. The full

https://ww1austburialsuk.weebly.com/city.html research can be found by following the link below)