Main CPGW Record
Surname: PHILLIP
Forename(s): George
Place of Birth: Skipton, Yorkshire
Service No: 13026
Rank: L/Sergeant
Regiment / Corps / Service: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)
Battalion / Unit: 'D' Coy 9th (Service) Battalion
Division: 17th (Northern) Division
Age: 20
Date of Death: 1915-12-19
Awards: ---
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: Panel 20.
CWGC Cemetery: ---
CWGC Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial: SKIPTON, YORKSHIRE
Additional Information:
George Phillip was the son of George William and Martha Ann Phillip, née Patterson. Both parents were born at Skipton, Yorkshire.
1901 Skipton, Yorkshire Census: 8, Goshen Street - George Phillip, aged 6 years, born Skipton, son of George Wm and Martha Ann Phillip.
1911 Skipton, Yorkshire Census: 29, Belgrave Street - George Phillip, aged 15 years, born Skipton, son of George William and Martha Ann Phillip.
British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Cpl George Phillip, 13026, W. Rid. R. Theatre of War first served in: (1) France. Date of entry therein: 15.7.15. Died 19.12.15.
British Army WW1 Medal and Award Rolls: Cpl George Phillip, 13026, 9th W. Rid. R. K. in A. 19.12.15.
Data Source: Craven’s Part in the Great War - original CPGW book entry
View Entry in CPGW BookEntry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record:
PHILLIP, Sgt. George, aged 20, Duke of Wellington’s, youngest son of Mr. G.W. Phillip, engine driver, Skipton, killed in action, Flanders, Dec. 1915.
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L/Sergeant George PHILLIP
Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)
Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 17th (Northern) Division
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View Craven Herald Articles
View Craven Herald Articles
14 January 1916
SERGEANT G. PHILLIP
Another must be added to the ever-increasing list of Skiptonians who have given their lives for King and Country. The one to make the sacrifice on this occasion is Sergt. George Phillip, 9th Duke of Wellington’s, youngest son of Mr. G. W. Phillip, engine driver, formerly of Belgrave Street, Skipton.
It was first rumoured about three weeks ago that Sergt. Phillip had been killed in action, but it was not until January 4th that an official intimation reached the parents in the shape of a letter from Capt. M. Robertson, dated December 24th and in the following terms:
“You will have heard by now of the death of your brave son, which took place last Sunday morning when the company had to advance under heavy gas and shell fire. I offer you my heartfelt sympathy in your terrible sorrow. It is indeed a sad Christmas for you, especially as he would have been one of the next N.C.O.s to get home on leave. It was only on the morning he was killed that he finished his week’s work as orderly sergeant, and I congratulated him on the way he had done it and promised to recommend him for promotion at an early date. I am glad to think he settled down so happily in my company, and got on with, and was respected by, all ranks. He died doing his duty finely, for he forbade any of his men to stop with him when he was hit, and struggled alone up the trenches until he was hit again.
The stretcher-bearers found him but it was too late to save him. I tell you the truth about his end, because though he must have suffered for a short time, you will like to know that he made a heroic struggle and did his full duty to the bitter end. It is only by such sacrifice that we shall win this awful war. He was buried where he fell and you will receive full details later.”
Deceased was a well-known and popular young fellow, 20 years of age, and of fine physique, standing six feet. Prior to the War he was serving his apprenticeship at Messrs. Marsden and Naylor’s ironworks, Skipton, and he enlisted soon after the outbreak of hostilities. Deceased was one of three brothers serving with the Colours – those remaining being Pte. Fred Phillip, R.F.A., a married man with three children, who was called up as a reservist; and Pte. J. Phillip, who is in training with the R.F.A. at Bradford, and understood to be under orders for Egypt.
It is an interesting fact that the grandfather and great-grandfather of these men on the mother’s side were born in barracks in Scotland, and both served their Kind and Country.
Mr. and Mrs. Phillips have the sympathy of a wide circle of friends in their bereavement.
21 January 1916
THE LATE SERGEANT MAIR
A short time ago Sergt. W. H. Mair of the 9th West Riding (Duke or Wellington’s) Regiment, and son of the late Mr. A. Mair and of Mrs. Hird, who resides at 3, Upper Sackville Street, Skipton, died in the General Hospital at Étaples from wounds received in action.
This week the following letter, dated January 5, has been received from Capt. M. Robertson of deceased’s young man’s Company.
“I am truly sorry to hear your son has died from his wounds received on December 19, I have still had no official notification about it, but from men who have come back from hospital I fear there is no doubt about the fact. He came to my Company about two months ago and I put him at once in charge of a rather difficult platoon where he did excellent work, and was much liked and respected. Realising that he was a fellow of superior education I offered, after a few weeks, to recommend him for a commission, but he chose (and I admired him for it) to stay with the Battalion as Sergeant and see whether he could earn further promotion in it. I think you will have gathered from his letters that he was very happy in ‘D’ Company, and that he liked his work. I liked him very much personally and had more than one talk with him about his work in civil life and the O.T.C. to which I myself belong.
“I did not see him after he was wounded, but I hear from a Northumberland Fusilier Sergeant that he was hit first in the leg, and then a young lad called Nichol went to help him and the other shell burst near and wounded him again. Of course I have had no chance to verify this story as all wounded go straight away to hospital. You may have heard more details, but I will let you know later if I hear further news. We had a bad day (December I9) and the Battalion, especially our Company, came through with great credit, which was due largely to the steadiness and self-sacrifice of the N.C.O.s, and Sergeant Phillips (of Skipton) who came with your son from ‘B’ Company was killed near the same place. Not a man in our Company, except those wounded, failed to get forward to where he was wanted. When we started, your son came over to me in a terribly hot fire for orders, where to take his men and he got them there before he was hit. Please accept my most sincere sympathy for yourself and my own regret at losing so promising and willing an N.C.O.”
22 December 1916
PHILLIP – In loving memory of George Phillip, of Skipton, killed in action at Hooge, December 19th, 1915. – R.I.P.
From Father, Mother and Family.
21 December 1917
PHILLIP – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Sergeant George Phillip, of the 9th Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, killed in action December 19th 1915, aged 20 years.
“May he rest in peace.”
From his Father, Mother, Sisters and Brothers.
13 December 1918
PHILLIP – In loving memory of Sergeant George Phillip, 9th Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, killed in action December 19th, 1915.
“Eternal rest give unto him, O Lord,
And let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.” – Amen.
From Father, Mother, Sisters and Brother at home, Fred in France, Jack in Italy, and from Miss Hawkins.
19 December 1919
PHILLIP – In loving remembrance of a dear son and brother, Sergeant George Phillip, West Riding Regiment, who was killed in action at Hooge, December 19th, 1915.
Eternal rest give unto him, O Lord,
And let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. – Amen.
From Father, Mother, Brothers and Sisters.
PHILLIP – In proud and loving memory of Sergeant G. Phillip, killed in action December 19th, 1915.
From his brother Fred, 41 Chancery Lane, Ardwick.
17 December 1920
PHILLIP – In loving memory of Sergt. George Phillip, who was killed in action, Dec. 19th, 1915.
Eternal rest give unto him, O Lord,
And let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.
From Father, Mother, Brothers and Sisters, Railway Street, Nelson.
16 December 1921
PHILLIP – In memory of Sergeant George Phillip, West Riding Regt., killed at Hooge, December 19th, 1915, in his 21st year.
Eternal rest give to him, O Lord,
And let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.
From Father, Mother and Family.
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
14 January 1916
SERG. GEORGE PHILLIP OF SKIPTON KILLED – Congratulated by a Commanding Officer Shortly before death
It is with regret we announce the death of Sergt. George Phillip of the 9th West Riding (Duke of Wellington’s) Regiment, and the youngest son of Mr. G.W. Phillip, (engine driver) late of Belgrave Street, Skipton. He was killed on Sunday morning, December 18th. The parents first heard the sad news on December 23rd, but they could scarcely credit it. However, it was eventually confirmed by the receiving of the following letter from Capt. M. Robertson:– “You will have heard by now of the death of your brave son which took place last Sunday morning when the company had to advance under heavy gas and shellfire. I offer you my heart-felt sympathy in your terrible sorrow. It is indeed a sad Christmas for you, especially as your son would have been one of the next N.C.O.s to come on leave. It was only on the morning that he was killed that he finished his week’s work as Orderly Sergeant, and I congratulated him for promotion at an early date. I am glad to think that he settled down so happily in my company and got on with, and was respected by, all ranks. He died doing his duty finely, for he forbade any of his men to stop with him when he was hit and struggled on along the trench until he was hit again. The stretcher-bearers found him when it was too late. I tell you the truth about his end, because, though he must have suffered for a time, you will like to know that he made a heroic struggle and did his full duty to the bitter end. It is only by such sacrifices that we shall win this awful war. He was buried where he fell. You will receive full details later.”
Prior to the war Sergt. Phillip was serving his apprenticeship at Messrs. Marsden and Naylor’s, Skipton, as a moulder, and he had almost finished his time when he enlisted. He was well built, standing 6ft high, was 20 years of age and was well liked by all who knew him. He came of an old Skipton family. His grandfather was the late John Phillip, who carried on business as a draper in Skipton, while his grandfather and great grandfather on his mother’s side, who were named Patt…son, [Patterson?] were both born in barracks in Scotland and both served their King and Country.
Much sympathy is felt for the parents of the unfortunate young man, who have two other sons serving with the colours, viz., Pte. Fred Phillip and Pte. Jack Phillip, both of the R.F.A.
Mr. Phillip has two brothers serving their country, viz., Private T. Phillip, of the 3rd 6th West Riding (Duke of Wellington’s) Regiment, and Private J. Phillip, of the Liverpool King’s Own Regiment, and two of his nephews are also in the army.
21 January 1916
THE DEATH OF SERGT. W.H. MAIR OF SKIPTON – Refused to Accept a Commission
As reported a short time ago, Sergt. W. H. Mair, of the 9th West Riding (Duke of Wellington’s) Regiment, and son of the late Mr. A. Mair, and Mrs. Hird, who reside at 3, Upper Sackville Street, Skipton, died in the General Hospital at Etaples on December 22nd, from wounds received in action.
This week the following letter, dated Jan. 5th, has been received from Capt. M. Robertson, of the deceased young man’s Company:– “I am truly sorry to hear your son died from his wounds received on December 19th. I have still had no official notification about it, but from men who have come back from hospital I fear there is no doubt about the fact. He came to my Company from ‘B’ Company about two months ago, and I put him in charge of a rather difficult platoon, where he did excellent work, and was much liked and respected. Realising that he was a fellow of superior education I offered, after a few weeks, to recommend him for a commission, but he chose (and I admired him for it) to stay with the battalion as sergeant and see whether he could earn further promotion in it. I think you will have gathered from his letters that he was very happy in ‘D’ Coy., and that he liked his work. I liked him very much personally, and had more than one talk with him about his work in civil life, and the Officers’ Training Corps, to which I myself belong.
“I did not see him after he was wounded, but I hear from a Northumberland Fusilier Sergeant that he was hit first in the leg, and that a young lad called Nichol went to help him and that another shell burst near and wounded him again. Of course, I have no chance to verify this story, as all the wounded go straight away to the hospital. You may have heard more details, but I will let you know later if I hear further news. We had a bad day (Dec. 19th) and the battalion, and especially our company, came through with great credit which was due largely to the steadiness and self-sacrifice of the N.C.O.’s. Sergt. Phillip (of Skipton), who came with your son from ‘B’ Company, was killed near the same place. Not a man in our company, except those wounded, failed to get forward to where he was wanted. When we started your son came over to me in a terribly hot fire for orders where to take his men, and he got them there before he was hit. Please accept my most sincere sympathy for yourself and my own regret at losing so prominent and willing an N.C.O.”
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