Howell-Price, Philip Llewellyn, DSO, MC (Major, b.1894 - d.1917)

Collection relating to the service of Major Philip Llewellyn Howell-Price, DSO, MC, 1 Battalion AIF, Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front, England, 1914-1917. Collection includes photostat copies of letters written by Major Howell-Price to his family in Sydney. Copies made by Australian War Memorial, Melbourne, 1927. Location of original letters unknown.

This collection of letters traces Philip Howell-Price's military career from his enlistment as a 2nd Lieutenant at the age of 20, to his death as a Major, at age 23. The earlier letters reveal a playful sense of humour and an adventurous spirit. Later letters include a particularly graphic description of his experience of the Battle of Pozieres, and his letter of 2 October 1916 contains a startlingly macabre description of battle conditions. Howell-Price comments on his increasing callousness toward loss of life in war. His letters reveal a young man of exceptional courage, patriotism, and devotion to duty, motivated by a sincere determination to bring honour to his family's name.

Biographical note: Served in 1 Battalion, AIF. Bank clerk; of Richmond, NSW; born Mount Wilson, Blue Mountains, NSW; educated at Kogarah High School; age at time of death, 23. He had been a Lieutenant in the NSW cadets, and later joined the Sydney Lancers. Killed in action in the Battle of Broodseinde.

• Letters from Philip Llewellyn Howell-Price to his Family, 1914-1917