18456 PTE M.PHILLIPS D.OF CORN.L.I. (on all 3 medals; note single initial)
Francis Melville Phillips
Born Great Harwood, Lancashire 14/7/1897
Son of Gulielmi Phillips & Clara Mary Phillips (Nee Rowe)
Baptised at Our Lady & St Hubert's Church, Great Harwood 1/8/1897
To France 21/5/15 & served with 1st Duke Of Cornwall's Light Infantry
Note: The 1st DCLI moved onto the Somme battlefield in mid-July 1916 & attacked High Wood 23/7/16. By the time they retired to Meaulte on 1/8/16 the 1st DCLI had suffered 500 casualties on the Somme
Diagnosed with Defective Action of the Heart & discharged 21/8/16, he was entitled to a Silver War Badge
Post-war he studied at Bishop Wilson Theological College, Isle of Man 1921 & then at Durham University 1922
Took Holy Orders & was ordained as a Deacon 1922
In 1939 he was Vicar of Upton & an A.R.P.S. Instructor living The Vicarage, Upton, Norfolk
Served as a Temporary Naval Chaplain, R.N.V.R. from 11/6/1940 to 1943
Died Gloucester City 1960
With copy of his Medal Index Card, Silver War Badge Roll, plus Crockfords details & supporting documentation
Condition: BWM rim lightly scored but naming still clear, VF
Note: Naval Chaplain's badge for illustrative purposes only
