Next of kin plaque: Private Harry Rudolph Phillips, 55th Battalion, AIF

Places
Accession Number REL49961
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Heraldry
Physical description Bronze
Maker Unknown
Place made United Kingdom
Date made c 1922
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Description

Bronze next of kin plaque showing on the obverse, Britannia holding a laurel wreath, the British lion, dolphins, a spray of oak leaves and the words 'HE DIED FOR FREEDOM AND HONOUR' around the edge. Beneath the main figures the British lion defeats the German eagle. The initials 'ECP', for the designer Edward Carter Preston appear above the lion's right forepaw. A raised rectangle above the lion's head bears the name 'HARRY RUDOLPH PHILLIPS'.

History / Summary

Born in Sydney, 18 year old Harry Rudolph Phillips was employed as a local council electrician when he enlisted in the AIF, with the permission of his parents, on 16 December 1918. After initial training he was posted a private, service number 3458, to the 9th Reinforcements for 55th Battalion. He embarked for overseas service from Sydney on 24 January 1917, aboard HMAT A68 Anchises.

Phillip's unit arrived in England on 27 March and was sent to the 14th Training Battalion at Hurdcott. While training there on 26 May Phillips was accidentally shot in the foot. He was taken to Fovant Military Hospital but developed septicemia and died on 5 June. He was buried in the Baverstock (St Edith) Churchyard, Baverstock, three days later.

This commemorative plaque was sent to his father, Abraham Edward Phillips, in May 1922. Phillips elder bother, 5885 Private Alfred John Phillips, served with 20th Battalion and was killed at the battle of Bullecourt in 1917. His eldest brother, 1368 Private Edward William Phillips, served with 13th Battalion and lost his left arm as a result of wounds incurred at Gallipoli.