Christopher George Phillips

Corporal Christopher George Phillips – Royal Army Ordnance Corps

Early Life

Christopher George Phillips was the son of David Phillips and Margaret Elizabeth Jackson, who had married in 1863.

1911 Census

By the time of the 1911 Census, the Phillips family was living at 39 Swan Street. David, aged 47, was working as a general labourer, while his wife Margaret, aged 43, managed the household. Their eldest son, David Henry, then 22, was employed as a tin worker. Sydney, aged 19, was still living at home, and the younger children, Christopher George, aged 8, and Thomas John, aged 5, were both attending school.

1921 Census 

The family was still at 39 Swan Street during the 1921 Census. David, by then 58, was recorded as a fitter’s labourer employed by J. D. Brown, though out of work at the time. Margaret, aged 53, continued with household duties. Their son David Henry, now 32 and widowed, was also living at home. He had worked as a general labourer for Mills & English Dyers but was unemployed at the time of the census. Christopher George, aged 19, was described as a copper worker formerly employed by William Foster of Landor, though again out of work. Thomas John, then 15, was working as a dray boy for William Hancock. Also listed in the household was David J., a grandson, aged just 3 years old.

Christopher George Phillips and Ellen May Criddle
marriage certificate
St. Thomas church

In October 1934, Christopher married Ellen May Criddle at St. Thomas Church.

1939 Register

By the 1939 Register, Christopher and Ellen were living at 151 Danygraig Road.

Military Service

When the Second World War broke out, Christopher George Phillips enlisted in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, where he served for four years. He took part in both the North African and Italian campaigns, key theatres of the war where British and Commonwealth troops faced harsh conditions.

His time in active service left him in poor health, and he was later transferred to a military hospital.

Death

On 14^th July 1945, Corporal Christopher George Phillips died at the age of 43.

Burial

South Wales Daily Post 

Christopher George Phillips
Danygraig Cemetery
credit - findagrave

Christopher was buried with honour at Danygraig Cemetery, Swansea. His funeral was reported in the South Wales Daily Post in July 1945, reflecting the community’s respect for his service and sacrifice.

Legacy

Though he did not live to see the peace secured in Europe, Corporal Christopher George Phillips’s years of service in North Africa and Italy stand as part of the broader contribution of Swansea men to the Allied victory. His name endures through his burial at Danygraig Cemetery, where his sacrifice is remembered alongside that of many others from the city who gave their health and lives in the Second World War.