Captain Thomas G. L. Phillips
War hero and leader of men
Thomas Glyn Llewellyn Phillips, known as Glyn, was born 1894 in Whitchurch, Cardiff and baptised on 10th July at the parish church. He was the first child of Thomas Richards Phillips and Annie Llewellyn who had married on 22nd October 1891. Glyn’s parents were both from successful families, his father was an architect and from a family of landowners and farmers from St Brides on the Wentloog Level, whilst Glyn’s mother was the daughter of David Llewellyn, a Gentleman Farmer, and Justice of the Peace from Llanwonno, Glamorgan.
Glyn was born at Ty Clyd farm in Whitchurch where his father was farming whilst developing his career as an architect. Glyn was joined at the farm by three siblings: sisters Enid and Olive, and a younger brother David. The family later moved to 45 Park Place, Cardiff where Thomas and Annie spent the rest of their lives.
Glyn’s initial education was at the local school before in 1908 he moved to Malvern College where he boarded from 1908–1913. The college was founded in 1865 and is regarded as one of the best independent schools in the UK. He was in House No. 8 and proved himself particularly adept at science. Glyn was a keen sportsman and represented his house at both football and cricket. Glyn Phillips is remembered by the college for his industry and perseverance, succeeding at every task through hard work and determination.
Whilst at Malvern College, Glyn joined the Junior Division of the recently formed Officers’ Training Corps (OTC), where he became a Cadet-Sergeant. This was a military leadership training unit operated by the British Army. The focus was to develop the leadership abilities of their members whilst giving them an opportunity to take part in military life whilst studying.
Following Malvern he studied at the School of Mines in Treforest and was articled to D. Hannah, a mining engineer for Ferndale Collieries. Glyn also enlisted as a Mining Engineer in the 5th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, a territorial force based in Pontypridd. When WW1 broke out Glyn was mobilised in 1914 and served as a 2nd Lieutenant and later as a Captain.
In 1915 Glyn was sent to Gallipoli and took part in much hard fighting but survived unscathed. Afterwards he saw service in Egypt where he was wounded and invalided home. Following recuperation he returned to Egypt and joined the Sinai and Palestine campaign. The British Empire, the French Third Republic, and the Kingdom of Italy fought alongside the Arab Revolt in opposition to the Ottoman Empire, the German Empire, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Captain Thomas Phillips of the Welsh Regiment was killed in action whilst leading his men at the Battle of Gaza, Palestine on the 26th March 1917. He was 23 years of age. Gaza was a defensive stronghold for the Ottoman forces in southern Palestine and a strategically important position because of the town’s water wells. Taking Gaza was also an important step for the Allied forces on their path to Jerusalem.
The first Battle of Gaza ended in defeat for the allies and cost the British forces almost 4,000 casualties with around 2,500 Ottoman casualties. The second battle would take place a few weeks later in April 1917, with disastrous results. Gaza would not fall to the Allied forces until November 1917.
The letters of commiseration from comrades following his death spoke volumes about the brave young man. One saud, “The boys have lost a good commander and comrade, always ready to help and advise, one who would not ask any man to do what he would not attempt himself”.
Another letter said, ” He was dearly loved by all the men of the regiment and to whom I believe I owe my life, saving me after being seriously wounded from the peril of a terrible gorse fire which was raging at that time’.” His bravery was also mentiond by a former student of Malvern College, “He was very good in action and did not hesitate to expose himself when necessary.”‘
Like so many young men of his generation we can only wonder what Glyn would have achieved in his life. We are honoured to have found hm in our family tree. Captain Phillips is remembered on five memorials: Malvern College, School of Mines in Treforest, Jerusalem Memorial in Israel, Eglwys Dewi Sant in Cardiff, and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. His service meant he was entitled to 1914-15 Star, and the British War and Victory Medals.
The plaque at Eglwys Dewi Sant reads: To the glory of god and in loving memory of Thomas Glyn Llewellyn Phillips, Captain, 5th Welsh Regiment, who fell while leading his men at the battle of Gaza, Palestine, on March 26th 1917 in his 23rd year.
