CONTACT US

Regimental Museum (Brecon)

British Library

History

LINKS

SOCIAL

SUPPORTED BY

WORLD WAR ONE

The Men Who Died

WORLD WAR ONE

141 142

Division.

In April and May 1917 they were involved in the first two Battles of Doiran where British forces initially attacked the Bulgarians, gained valuable ground and resisted strong counter attacks. Over time in April they were forced back to their initial positions suffering heavy casualties. The second battle involved another assault commencing on May 8th but through the night the British were defeated and suffered enormous losses.

Private George Rhys Phillips

Lincolnshire Regiment 1st Battalion, service no. 38925

Died of Wounds August 5th 1918, aged 20

Commemorated at Niederzwehren Cemetery Hessen,

Germany

George was born to James Henry Phillips and Hannah Maria (nee Robbins), in 1897 in Brecon. His parents were married in 1892 in Gloucester and his father was a railway employee, working in Hereford where 2 of their children were born before the family moved to Brecon. In 1901 the family were living at 6, White Lion Terrace, Brecon.

By 1911 they lived at 2, King Street, Brecon. His father was now aged 42 and a railway engine driver. George, aged 13, was in school part time and also worked as a draper’s errand boy. He later worked for the Midland Railway in Brecon.

George enlisted in about January 1918, joining the Lincolnshire Regiment and was taken prisoner by the Germans that Summer but unfortunately died in Germany of his wounds received in Flanders. Two of his brothers were also serving at this time.

The 1st Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment fought as part of the 21st Brigade within the 62nd Division during 1918 and were involved in many battles on the Western Front including Lys, Aisne and Marne.