Death of Private A G Phillips of Great Kingshill
Private A G Phillips died 17 July 1917
Bucks Free Press – October 1917
Private A G Phillips died 17 July 1917
Mrs Phillips, of The ??, Great Kingshill, has just received a letter from the Lieutenant of her husband’s Company, informing her of the circumstances of the death of her husband, Private A G Phillips, of the Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry.
The late Pte Phillips was a prominent figure in everything that tended to be good of Great Kingshill. He was one of the mainstays of the Cricket Club, being a fine bowler, whom it will be difficult to replace. He was an active member of the Football Club, and a member of the Village Hall, where also in past years he was caterer for the refreshments. He was well-known in the district as an expert rose grower. For several years he carried on a business as grocer in the New Road, Great Kingshill.
Being very keen on all kinds of sport, he will naturally be greatly missed. He was beloved and held in the highest honour and respect by all who knew him, and everyone in the district expresses the greatest sympathy with Mrs Phillips and her two children, who have to mourn the loss of an excellent husband and father.
The following is the letter from Lieutenant Griffin:
“Dear Mrs Phillips,
“I cannot express how we all regret having to inform you of the death of your husband. He had been ailing for some time, but somehow or other he contracted heat stroke, and in spite of everything possible being done by the medical staff here, he passed away very quickly. We thought at first he might recover, and the doctor said he was very hopeful. At 3 o’clock yesterday morning, however, he passed away, and it was my painful duty to bury one more British lad. I am taking a photograph of his last resting place as soon as the cross has been erected, and will send it to you. Be sure you have the deepest sympathy of all the officers in the Battalion in this your bereavement and, for myself, the Company Commander, I express sympathy too, but at the same time beseech you to bear up under this great strain, and put your whole trust in God.
Yours, with deepest sympathy, F J GRIFFIN, Lieut.”
The following letter has also been received from a friend from Prestwood:
“Dear Mrs Phillips,
“I am very sorry indeed to have to acquaint you with the sad news of the death of your husband which occurred this morning, after a few days’ illness. We shall all miss his genial companionship sadly. His Company Officer, Lieutenant Griffin, joins with comrades and friends in expressing their profound sympathy with you and the children in your bereavement.”