James Phillips (1882 – 1910)

James Phillips was born in 1882 in Newbury, the son of Albert Thomas and Fanny, nee Harrison, Phillips. Albert and Fanny had married on 19 January 1874 at Newbury parish church.

In the 1891 census James was recorded with his parents and siblings Kate aged 12, George aged 10, Fanny aged 6 and Alice aged 3 living at 9 Dellers Yard in Speen. His father Albert was a groom.

James joined the army and in the 1901 census he was recorded in Woolwich Barracks. He was a lance corporal in 3rd Middlesex Regiment.

Unfortunately, James’s military records do not appear to have survived so full details of his postings etc are not known.

James died on 19 September 1910 at the Cambridge Hospital in Aldershot. There was a short article in the Aldershot News of 23 September 1910 as below.

The death took place of Sergeant James Phillips, 4th Middlesex Regiment, on the 19th inst., at the Cambridge Hospital. The deceased was conveyed to the Railway Station en route for Newbury, where the internment will take place. Wreaths were sent by the officers, non-commissioned officers and men of his company, also from his brother sergeants.

James was buried at Newtown Road Cemetery on 24 September 1910.

James’s parents Albert Thomas and Fanny Phillips were buried at Newtown Road Cemetery on 16 February 1904 and 27 December 1922 respectively. His brother George Phillips was buried at Newtown Road Cemetery on 12 March 1901.

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