Anthony Phillips shares the story of his great-grandfather, William Albert Phillips.

William Albert Phillips was born in England and arrived in Australia, via South Africa, around 1914. Before arriving in Australia, William served for six years in the Middlesex Regiment.

He enlisted to serve on 28 November 1916 and joined the AIF 3rd Division Signal Company. His rank was Sapper, and he was regimental No. 17458. He was 29 years old when he enlisted and was married with a four-month old baby.

Private William Phillips left Melbourne on 11 May 1917 aboard the HMAT Shropshire and arrived in England on 21 July 1917. His unit was sent to France.

William’s eyes were damaged while serving in France in November 1917. He was declared medically unfit to serve. He returned to Australia on the Kenilworth Castle on 12 March 1918.

He was discharged from the AIF for medical reasons on 4 July 1918. William had defective vision for the rest of his life because of his war injuries.

He was awarded the 1914–15 Star Medal, British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

After being discharged, he used his signal skills in various telephone/post offices around Victoria. One of these was Apollo Bay, where the telegraph/telephone cable from Tasmania to the Australian mainland was connected. He was involved in the opening celebrations of the Great Ocean Road. He lived until 23 July 1942.

I am proud of my great-grandfather and his service in WWI. Unfortunately, I never knew him. I have enjoyed talking about family stories while researching his war history.