In Memory Of

PHILLIPS, EDWARD JAMES

Service Details
Age:
 33
Date of Birth:
 -0001-11-30
Rank:
 Second Lieutenant
Unit:
 3rd Regt.
Regiment:
 South African Infantry
Date of Death:
 1916-10-16
Cause of Death:
 Died of wounds, received in front the Butte de Warlencourt. In the night of the 12-13th October, the 3rd S.A.I. relieved the 2nd and 4th S.A.I. which had suffered heavily during the attack on Snag and Tail Trenches. A new trench (Pearse's Trench) was dug and a patrol was sent on reconnaissance on The Pimple in the hands of the Germans. On the 14th October, the B Coy took The Pimple and a considerable part of the German communication trench. The B Coy was relieved by the A Coy in the night of the 15-16th October. The casualties of the 3rd S.A.I. amounted to 38 men.
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
 III. G. 15.
Cemetery:
 DERNANCOURT COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION
Localitly:
 Somme
Country:
 France
Additional Information
Decorations:
 M C
Citations:
 LG Sup 26 September 1916 pg. 9437 - "For conspicuous gallantry in action. During three days he led bombing attacks to meet the enemy's attacks with great courage and determination. Though severely wounded in the shoulder on the first day he refused to retire."
Son of Edward James and Annie Phillips, of Germiston. Husband of Alice Henrietta Phillips, of Gardens, Cape Town. Born Queenstown. A shiftboss at Brakpan Mine. Wounded in Delville Wood on the 19th July 1916. Was of the last South African group relieved on the 20th July in Delville Wood. Recommended for the DSO and awarded the Military Cross for his conduct in Delville Wood. On Germiston (Primrose) Cemetery "Ladies of Primrose Township War Memorial Commitee" War Memorial