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Named after his father, Arthur George, Arthur Leonard was born to Rose Hanna Phillips on the 16th September 1913 at Murray Bridge. He was one of 13 children of whom 11 survived with siblings including Maud Olive, Florence May, Amy, Leslie, Alfred Charles, Rex, Harold Henry, Richard Stanley, Ethel Rose, Edward Clifford and Sydney Keith.
Their father, Arthur struggled with alcoholism with the Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser reporting on summer conditions in February ’09 as being ‘High temperatures are synonymous with thirst, and in spite of the close proximity of the river it is surprising what a number of individuals find it necessary to allay their respective thirsts with liquid of a stronger brew than that provided by Mother Nature. Quite a number of the same thirsts are highly developed, and at times all attempts on the part of the owners thereof to quench them are apparently utterly futile. Whether it was the weather or whether it was the possession of the said thirsts, or the two combined, in two days last week four members of the "stronger" sex found themselves in the grip of the law, having become incapable of any further attempts to ridding themselves of the "dry spot" in their throats. This makes five drunks captured during the first nine days of the month.’ Appearing in the police court, ‘Arthur Phillips was fined 5/ for drunkenness, and 2/ for having damaged the gaol property.’
Conditions continued to be challenging for the family with Arthur fronting the Murray Bridge Court in August 1911 for non-attendance of his daughter at school. ‘Phillips stated his girl, Maud Olive Phillips, was 10 years of age. He was a carpenter and had six children. The child was not strong and was often ill. She had fainted twice at school and had to be sent home. He did not have a doctor to the child. He received a printed form from the school which he filled in and returned. The child suffered with very sore feet and could not get her boots on. The only reason of her being kept home was the fact of her being ill. Mr. Muirhead said it was a monstrous thing to bring the fathers of the children before the court and charge them almost as felons with having broken the laws of the land. He quoted at length remarks made by the Minister of Education in his speech on the Education Bill. Mr. Lehmann said the evidence was unsatisfactory, which were accordingly dismissed.’
With the outbreak of WWI the demand for men to serve resulted in numerous recruiting meetings with many forceful addresses urged the need for men to reinforce the soldiers at the front. At a stirring recruit meeting in Mount Barker in March 1917 Arthur and a J. Addison who were in the audience, both impulsively offered their services as volunteers, with their action being greeted with considerable cheering.
At that stage, Arthur Jnr, ‘Art’ was three years old and his father 41. Arthur’s official enlistment date was on the 10th March 1917, in the 7/43rd battalion as number 3110. At that stage he had nine children. Part of his service was spent in France, but ongoing health issues of gastritis, influenza, trench fever, high fever (PUO) being anaemic and experiencing leg pains and probably being gassed, led to him returning to Australia and being discharged in November 1918. His discharge record noted that he was weak and anaemic, underweight and permanently unfit for general services, adding that he was anticipating return to farming at Murray Bridge. Arthur eventually became an upholsterer.
Arthur’s poor health and probable effects of his war service led to his increasing alcoholism. When Art was seven his father was again before the Magistrates’ Court in Murray Bridge in January ‘21 ‘charged, with "by the habitual use of liquor wasting his means” and an order was issued prohibiting the supply of liquor the defendant for a period of twelve months.’ By September Arthur had again returned to the Police Court on a charge of having been drunk the previous day. The Mount Barker Courier reported that he was a returned soldier on a pension and despite the prohibition, ‘he obtained drink from some source but refused to divulge to either himself or Mounted Constable Klar who was supplying him with liquor. When Phillips got into a state of intoxication he became brutal and rowdy, and complaints had been made by neighbours in regard to his carryings on at his home, and the annoyance he caused the neighbourhood by his actions, he had become a nuisance, and it was essential that something should be done to make him realize his position. This was a case where leniency should not be shown as defendent was a terror to the neighbourhood through his conduct when in drink.’
Despite Arthur vowing not to touch alcohol again a sentence of fourteen days’ imprisonment with hard labour in the Adelaide Gaol, was imposed. It continued to be a downward slide for Arthur with another appearance in February ’25 on a charge of wasting his means through the habitual use of liquor, and an order was issued prohibiting the supply of liquor to him for the period of 12 months. Arthur pleaded guilty to charges of having been drunk and of having used obscene language. An appeal for leniency was made because of the suffering that would eventuate on the family if he were sent to gaol. A fine of £5 was inflicted for drunkenness, with the alternative of 14 days' imprisonment, and on the language charge a fine of £5, with 10/ cost, was imposed, in default two months' imprisonment in Adelaide Gaol. It was a challenging time for the large family and especially for Rose who tried to maintain a regular life for the children.
Young Art continued to give of his best at school. Murray Bridge High had their inaugural sports day in September ’26, days before Art’s 13th birthday. The Mount Barker Courier reporting that ‘A small boy, Arthur Phillips showed great stamina and determination in the kilometre race (3 ½ laps)’. He also came 3rd in 100 yards and 1st in the 220-yard handicap. Quite an achievement. Unfortunately, that year Art’s father, described as an upholsterer, was again before the courts charged with having insufficient means of support. It was telling that Rose and an unnamed son provided evidence to the court that Arthur had ‘caused considerable trouble at the home, and his total contribution to the upkeep of the home for two years was five pounds ten shillings. Defendant cross-examined his son at great length to prove "that there was enough money coming Into the house without him contributing." The son related the contribution of himself and brother to keep the home, and also stated that defendant, who was a returned soldier, had forfeited his house and the department had, with his consent, transferred it to Mrs. Phillips.’ More evidence was provided about the minimal money 2/6 in Arthur’s possession, and that his earnings for a month amounted to about £2. Additionally, Arthur was frequently seen in the hotels and idling his time and had also been fighting. Again, Arthur was sentenced defendant to two months' Imprisonment in Adelaide gaol.
’27 A year later, just days after Art’s 14th birthday, 51-year-old Arthur committed suicide in his own house, leaving a note for his family. Art’s older brother, Alfred found their father. The case was reported in minute detail in the local paper. Rose had frequently been told by Arthur that "you will be In hell a few minutes before me." She understood from that remark that deceased might kill her and then do away with himself. Rose and the children had subsequently left Arthur In April because of his alcoholism, removing the furniture Rose had bought, but leaving a bed for Arthur. In a sad phone call Arthur had phoned Rose saying “I am leaving, I am going to hell." This quite probably reflected the mental as well as physical state of Art’s father. The effects of Arthur being gassed as a soldier were dismissed as being a factor, but the act was undertaken when Arthur was temporarily insane. A sad reflection of the times.
Art was resourceful and hard working. He found employment as a labourer, working in Queensland and Darwin as well as locally. However, with the outbreak of WWII and aged 26, he enlisted on the 20th July 1940. He was allocated the number SX9316 in the 2/48th Battalion. Early training was initially in the cold of the Pavilions, now part of the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds, before he and other new enlistees headed to Woodside for their preliminary training. The following year Art’s brother, Richard Stanley enlisted in December ’41 as 417112, rising to become a Warrant Officer and surviving the war.
Following pre-embarkation leave Art and his fellow 2/48th Battalion, boarded the Stratheden for the Middle East, on the 7th November 1940 and disembarked on the 17th December. His 2/48th Battalion completed a few months training in Cyrenaica before going to Tobruk at the start of April 1941 where the dust, flies, heat, minimal water supplies and constant bombardment were quite a challenge to these fresh new enlistees. Once there, they completed a few months training in Cyrenaica. Art was to become one of the now famed Rats of Tobruk in a battalion which was to be highly regarded and decorated.
Just two years after enlisting,28-year-old Art was killed in action in Egypt on the 22nd July ’42. At that stage, orders had been received to capture West Point of Tel el Eisa in a dawn attack. In late June ‘42 with Rommel crossing into Egypt, the 2/48th were in an offensive to capture Trig 33, which was achieved on the 10th July. In doing so, over 400 Italian prisoners were taken. The 2/48th battalion then advanced south, capturing the Tel el Eisa station and repelling numerous counter attacks. However, they were eventually forced to withdraw, having suffered over 100 casualties. It was during this attack that Private Stan Gurney was awarded the 2/48th Battalion’s first VC having captured two machine gun posts and bayonetting the gun crew firing on his company but was killed attempting to take a third. The 2/48th battalion suffered 215 casualties between the 7th July and 23rd October. Of that number, 64 men were killed and six, died of their wounds, including Art. 125 other men were wounded but survived.
In his book, ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’, John G. Glenn described the ferocious encounter;
‘When the troops were well forward of the start-line they came under terrific fire from shells and mortars from the front and left and suffered heavy casualties. With the slow deliberate movement of perfectly trained soldiers both companies continued the advance in perfect formation, over ground that trembled and erupted with vicious explosions. Through this, sometimes obscured by the smoke and dust, the men moved, and, as they advanced, the fire kept place with them, leaving behind the still shapes of fallen men among the camel bush and sand.’

Back in South Australia, the August editions of the Advertiser first reported ‘Information has been received that Pte. Arthur L. Phillips, 28 of Murray Bridge, war killed In action in Egypt on July 22. He was the son of Mrs. R. H. Phillips and the late A. G. Phillips (1st AIF). He enlisted in July. 1940, and sailed in November of the same year, and served for eight months at Tobruk. Before enlisting he was employed at Darwin and In Queensland and South Australia. Two of his brothers. L. A. and R. S. Phillips are serving with the RAAF.’ The next report was three days later with the names of those initially reported as being wounded in action, then listed as dying of their wounds. These included Pte. Geoffrey H. Gurney and Pte. John Jennings, from the 2/23rd and Pte. Walter G Thompson from Art’s battalion, the 2/48th.


Initially the men were buried in the field but they were eventually re-buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery in April ’43 with Art in Plot XVI Row F Grave 15. He is with his fellow soldiers from the 2/48th who died on the same day. These included SX13018 21-year-old Private Colin Hanley, SX7979 22-year-old Corporal Lindsay Evans, SX11052 22-year-old Private Walter Shane, WX10144 19-year-old Private Albert Lang, SX7948 24-year-old L/Sgt K Trenorden, SX9316 28-year-old Private Arthur Phillips SX7343 27-year-old John E. Miller and SX8670 26-year-old Corporal William Glennon. His mother chose the inscription ‘A brave heart in a foreign land Sleeps ‘neath the desert sands’ for his headstone.

Rose died in May ’55 and is buried with her husband. Arthur’s younger brother, Sydney Keith had a son, Ralph A Phillips who also later served in the 9th Battalion as a Private 4719545. 21-year-old Ralph fought and died in the Vietnam War.
Fellow soldiers from the 2/48th Battalion paid tribute to Art, including Edward ‘Teddy’ Boxer SX7528 who in April ’41 lost a leg when hit by an anti-tank shell and was fortunate to survive. Similarly, Charles Manuel, SX8017 who was also wounded with a gunshot wound to his right temple, which he survived. Jock Power SX7055, Unk Wilson and ‘Pug’ McKenzie ‘stable mates’ were others who remembered young Arthur. The family continued to also pay tribute until Rose’s death.
Advertiser Thursday 13 August 1942, PHILLIPS.—Killed in action, on July 22, Private Arthur Leonard Phillips, of Murray Bridge, the dearly beloved son of Mrs. R. H. Phillips and the late A. G. Phillips. 1st A.I.F., loving brother of Maude (Mrs. Lewis), Amy (Mrs. Ridgway), Florrie (Mrs. Walker), Alf, Rex, Harrold, Stan, Ethel, Cliff, and Syd. His duty nobly done. PHILLIPS.—Killed in action on July 22, Pte. Arthur Leonard Phillips. When last I saw your smiling face, You looked so bright and well. Little did I think that day, It would be my last farewell. —Inserted by one of his tent mates, returned from active service, ex-Pte. Ted Boxer.
Advertiser Saturday 22 July 1944, PHILLIPS.—ln loving memory of my dear son Arthur, killed in action on July 22. 1942 at El Alamein. His duty nobly done, he died as be lived, for others. Always in my thoughts. —Mother. PHILLIPS—In loving memory of our dear brother and Uncle Arthur, who paid the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein. July 22. 1942.—Sadly missed by brother Les, Sylv, Joan and Neil. PHILLIPS. —In loving memory of brother Arthur, 2/48th killed in Egypt two years ago today.—Remembered by Harold and Elma. PHILLIPS. -In loving memory of my darling brother. Arthur, killed in action July 22. 1942.—Remembered always by his loving sister. Flo, Ralph and family. PHILLIPS. —In loving memory of Arthur killed in action July 22. 1942. Al ways thoughtful, unselfish and kind, a beautiful memory left behind—Ever re membered by Ame, Fred and the children. Freeling. PHILLIPS. —In memory of my beloved brother, Artie, who made the supreme sacrifice Tel El Eisa. July 22. 1942. To have you with us in the same old way would be my dearest wish today. —Ever remembered by Ette. PHILLIPS. —In loving memory of our dear brother Arthur, killed In action. July 22 1942 No matter what the years may bring, loving memories always cling. —Remembered always by CUB and Dor. PHILLIPS —In loving memory of our brother Arthur, killed in action at July 22. 1942.—Forever remembered by Alf, Mavis and Syd. PHILLIPS—A tribute of love to the memory of Artie, killed at Tel El Eisa. July 22. 1942. Beneath the cross of sacrifice he lies among the brave.—Ever remembered by Maude, Reece Vivienne, and Basil. PHILLIPS. —In memory of Art, killed El Alamein July 22 1942 To think we would not say good-bye will always bring regret but the ones who loved you dearly are the ones who don't forget—Jock Powers and family. PHILLIPS. —In remembrance of Arthur. killed in action in Tel El Eisa July 22 1942 —Ever remembered by Sgt. Manuel.
Advertiser Monday 23 July 1945, CLEMENS PHILLIPS.—In memory of Rob Clemens and Arthur Phillips, killed in Egypt. July 22. 1942.—Ever remembered by Charles Manuel PHILLIPS. —In loving memory of Arthur, killed in action, Tel-el-Isa. July 22, 1942. —Fondly remembered by Alf and Mary PHILLIPS. —In loving memory of brother Arthur, killed in action. Egypt, July 22, 1942.—Ever remembered by Harold and Emma. PHILLIPS.—In loving memory ot Art. killed El Alamein July. 1942.—Ever re membered by his stable mates. Unk Wilson and Jock Power. PHILLIPS. —In loving memory of Art, killed El Alamein July 22. 1942. Forever in our thoughts. —Remembered always by Jock, Kit Power and family.
Advertiser Monday 22 July 1946, PHILLIPS.—In loving memory of my daring son Arthur Leonard, killed in action El Alamein July 22 1942 Many a lonely heartache, Often a silent tear, But always a beautiful memory Of one we loved so dear —Inserted by mother. PHILLIPS. —In memory of our dear brother Artie. 2/48 Bat. who lost his life at Tel-El-Isa. July 22, 1942. He lies across the ocean amongst Australia’s brave, May God help us to be worthy of that sacrifice he made —Always remembered by Harold, Elma, Syd and Lorna. PHILLIPS. —In loving memory of Artie 2/48 Batt. killed in action at Tel-El-Isa. July 22, 1942. Silent memories true and tender, Just to show we still remember. —Ever remembered by Maude, Reece, Basil and Vivienne. PHILLIPS. —In memory of our brother and uncle Arthur Leonard, killed an action. El Alamein, July 22 1342.—Lovingly remembered by Les, Sylv., Joan and Neil. PHILLIPS. —In loving memory of our dear brother Arthur. killed in action July 22, 1942. What would I give to clasp your hand. Your loving face in see, and be together once again, just as we used to be. Sadly missed by his sister Flo. Ralph and family. Pte. A. L.—In loving memory of our beloved brother Arthur, killed in action. July 22, 1942. A nature you couldn't help loving, A heart as pure as gold; To all who knew and loved him His memory will never grow old —Ever remembered by Ame and Ethel. PHILLIPS. —In loving memory of our dear brother Arthur Leonard, killed in action. Tel-EI-Isa, July 22. 1942. To be with us in the same old way Would be our dearest wish today. —Fondly remembered by Alf, May, Stan and Iris.
Advertiser Tuesday 22 July 1947, PHILLIPS. —In fond memory of Arthur, killed in action July 22, 1942. A little white cross a long way from here Marks the last resting place of one so dear. —Always remembered by sister Ame, Fred and children, Freeling. PHILLIPS. —In loving memory of Arthur, killed July 22. 1942. As you rest in peaceful sleep your memory we will always keep. —Always remembered by loving sister Flo, Ralph and family. PHILLIPS. —In loving memory of Arthur, killed in action at Tel Eliza July 22, 1942. Loving and kind in all his ways. Upright and just to the end of his days, Sincere and true in heart and mind, What a beautiful memory behind. —Always remembered and sadly missed by mother and Ethel. PHILLIPS. —Loving memories of brother Arthur, killed at El Alamein, July 22, 1942. Beautiful and happy —Ever remembered by Cliff, Doreen. PHILLIPS. —In loving remembrance of Artie who lost his life at El Alamein, July 22, 1942.—Ever remembered by Stan and Iris. PHILLIPS.—In loving memory of our dear brother and Uncle Arthur, killed at El Alamein. July 22. 1942. Too dearly loved to be forgotten. —By Les, Sylv, Joan and Neil. PHILLIPS. —A tribute to the memory of dear Artie, killed at Pel Elisa, July 22, 1943. For ever in our thoughts —Inserted by Maude, Reece, Basil and Vivienne.
Advertiser Thursday 22 July 1948, PHILLIPS.—In loving memory of Arthur, who gave his life at El Alamein. July 22. 1942.—Ever re' membered by Syd and Lorna. PHILLIPS In loving memory of dear Arthur, who lost his life at El Alamein. Those who loved you never forget. —Remembered always by Cliff and Doreen. PHILLIPS -—ln loving memory of our son and brother, Arthur Leonard killed in action at El Alamein. July 22 1942. We who loved him never forget.—Sadly missed by mother, brothers and sisters. PHILLIPS. —In memory of our brother and uncle Arthur, killed at El Alamein. July 22. 1942.—Always remembered By Les. Sylv. Joan and Neil. PHILLIPS In loving memory of Pte. A. L. (Arthur) killed in action, 'El Alamein, July 22. 1942. —Always remembered by Ame. Fred and children (Freeling) PHILLIPS, Pte. A. L. —In loving memory of Artie, killed in action. 'El Alamein. 1942. Too dearly loved to be forgotten. —inserted by Ethel. PHILLIPS—In fond memory of Art who paid the supreme sacrifice on July 22, 1941. —Remembered always, Jock and Kit Power. PHILLIPS. —In loving memory of Arte, killed in action at Tel El Eisa July 22. 1942. Treasured memories of one loved so dearly. —Fondly remembered by Maude. Reece, Vivienne and Basil.
Advertiser Friday 22 July 1949, PHILLIPS.—In fond memory of Artie, killed in action, Tel-el-Eisa, July 22. 1942. In silence we remember. —Maude, Reese, Vivienne and Basil. PHILLIPS.—In loving memory of Arthur, who made the supreme sacrifice July 22, 1942. Today and every day In silence we remember —-Inserted by Ethel PHILLIPS. —In loving memory of our dear brother and uncle Artie, KIA. July 22. 1942.—Sadly missed by Les. Sylv. Joan and Nell. PHILLIPS. —In loving memory of Arthur, killed in action July 22. — Loved and remembered always by Flo, Ralph, nieces and nephews. PHILLIPS. —In loving memory of our son and brother Arthur Leonard who made the supreme sacrifice at Tel el Eisa. July 22. 1942. Tears are passing, just love and memories- are everlasting. —Always remembered by mother, Syd and Lorna. PHILLIPS ln loving memory of Art. killed El Alamein. July 22 1942. For ever in our thoughts.—Jock Power and Pug McKenzie. PHILLIPS. —In loving memory of Art. killed El Alamein July 22 1942. A leaf in the book of memory is gently turned today. —Ever remembered. Kit and Jock Power. PHILLIPS. —In loving memory of Arthur, who paid the supreme sacrifice July 22. 1942. —Always remembered by his sister Amy, Fred and family.
Advertiser Saturday 22 July 1950, PHILLIPS.—-In loving remembrance of Arthur Leonard, who lost his life at Tel El Isa. July 22. 1942. While you lie in peaceful sleep. Your memory we will always keep. Inserted by his loving mother, Syd and Lorna. PHILLIPS. —In loving memory of Artie. killed at Tel El Isa. July 22. He is ours to remember when others forget. -Always remembered by Maude, Reece, Vivienne. PHILLIPS.—. Pte. A. L— In loving memory of Arthur, killed In action, July 22. 1942. Today and every day. In silence we remember. Inserted by Ethel. PHILLIPS. — In memory of brother Arthur, killed El Alamein. July 22 1942. Loving memories, silently kept. Ever remembered by sister Amy, Fred and family. PHILLIPS. — In loving memory of Artie. killed In action El Alamein. on July 22 1942. Always remembered by his brother and sister-in-law Les and Sylv. and children Joan and Nell.
Advertiser Saturday 21 July 1951, PHILLIPS. — In memory of our son and brother Arthur, killed Tel-El-Isa. July 22. 1942.— Loved always by mother, Syd and Lorna. PHILLIPS. — In loving memory of Artie, killed in action El Alamein. July 22. 1942. — Always remembered. Les. Sylv. Joan and Neil. PHILLIPS. — Loving memories of our dear brother and uncle Arthur, killed Tel-EI-Isa. July 22. 1942. Always remembered by Maude. Reece. Vivienne and Basil.
Advertiser Tuesday 22 July 1952, PHILLIPS.— In loving memory of our dear son and brother Arthur, killed in action. El Alamein. July 22 1942. So dearly loved but not forgotten by mother, brothers and sisters. PHILLIPS. — In loving memory of Artie, killed in action, El Alamein. July 22. 1942.— Always remembered by Les, Sylvia, Joan and Neil. PHILLIPS In remembrance of Arthur, killed July 22. Always remembered by Amy, Fred and family.
Advertiser Wednesday 22 July 1953, PHILLIPS.— In loving memory of Arthur, killed In action July 22. 1942. What would I give to see your smile, To talk with you and laugh awhile; To be together in the same old way. Would be my dearest wish today. —Always remembered by mother, brothers and sisters. PHILLIPS. — In loving memory of brother Arthur, killed El Alamein. July 22. 1942. — Amy. Fred and family. PHILLIPS. — In loving memory of Artie, killed at El Alamein. July 22. 1942. —Always remembered, Les, Sylv. Joan and Neil.
Advertiser Thursday 22 July 1954, PHILLIPS. — In loving memory of Arthur, killed Tel El Isa. July 22. 1942. Sincere and kind in heart and mind, what a beautiful memory to leave behind- — Remembered by mother, brothers and sisters. PHILLIPS. — In loving memory of Artie killed in action. Tel El-Isa. July 22 1942. — Ever remembered by Les. Sylv. Joan and Neil.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion