Born in 1886 at Abridge, son of Thomas (General Labourer, later Brickmaker) and Harriett Phillips. 1891: With his family at Noah’s Ark Cottages, Lower Road, Woodford Green. 1901: A Chemists Errand Boy, still with his family at Noah’s Ark Cottages. He was not at home for the 1911 Census. His service number 10334 indicates he joined the Highland Light Infantry between the latter end of 1906 and the beginning of 1907, and so was serving as a regular soldier.
His Battalion (part of 5 Brigade 2 Division) was mobilised at Aldershot when war was declared. On 14th August 1914 they arrived at Boulogne and he qualified for the 1914 Star and “Mons” clasp. From there the Battalion took part in the major actions of 1914, The Battle and Retreat from Mons, The Marne, Ypres, and was similarly engaged during1915.
It is unclear exactly when Alfred Phillips fell into German hands and became a Prisoner of War. He does not appear in The Times casualty lists, and the Battalion suffered its first batch of 18 missing men on 24th August 1914.
On 12th October 1915 he died in German custody at Feldaz 9, and was buried by them in German Grave 277 at Bauvin Cemetery to the east of Bethune. After the war he was exhumed and moved to his current resting place at Cabaret Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez.
X/R: Private Thomas William Phillips (Brother)
Research by Adrian Lee, Local Historian
Principal Sources:
Ancestry.com