'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in the operations near Le Quesnoy on the 31st October 1918. At noon this NCO was detailed to take part in a reconnoitring patrol whose object was to get in close touch with the enemy in order to ascertain in what strength he was holding his line. Lance Corporal Phillips with three men formed a flank party to the patrol and by successful manoeuvring he got his party behind a strong force of about 40 of the enemy and in such a position as to cover them with rifle fire at short range, thus enabling the remainder of the patrol to rush in and successfully capture the garrison of the enemy positions, an officer and 37 other ranks. Throughout this action he displayed great personal courage in assisting his platoon commander in the achievement of his object.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 17 June 1919

Regimental number	21532
Place of birth	Australia
Occupation	Farmer
Next of kin	Mother, Mrs W Phillips, Awakino Point, Dargaville
Rank on embarkation	Rifleman
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, 7th Reinforcements to 4th Battalion, H Company
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on board Navua on 20 August 1916
Final rank	Lance Corporal
Final unit	2nd Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade
Medals	Military Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in the operations near Le Quesnoy on the 31st October 1918. At noon this NCO was detailed to take part in a reconnoitring patrol whose object was to get in close touch with the enemy in order to ascertain in what strength he was holding his line. Lance Corporal Phillips with three men formed a flank party to the patrol and by successful manoeuvring he got his party behind a strong force of about 40 of the enemy and in such a position as to cover them with rifle fire at short range, thus enabling the remainder of the patrol to rush in and successfully capture the garrison of the enemy positions, an officer and 37 other ranks. Throughout this action he displayed great personal courage in assisting his platoon commander in the achievement of his object.' Source: London Gazette Date: 17 June 1919
Family/military connections	Brother: 54701 Pte Fred PHILLIPS, 2nd Bn, Auckland Infantry Regiment, died of wounds, 27 August 1918.
Sources	Nominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 38, p. 38