Private PHILIP WILLIS

Philip, the son of Levi, a shepherd in 1901[1] and a waggoner in 1911,[2] and Sarah Willis, was born in Odiham on 6 November 1899[3].  He had three older brothers, Sydney, Levi and Harry, and two older sisters, Sarah[4] and Rhoda[5].  At the time of his death his father was a gardener at Broad Oak House and the family lived in The Cottage in the grounds[6]. 

Perhaps because his three brothers were all serving at the Front[7] shortly after his 18^th birthday Philip joined the 53^rd (Young Soldier) Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment on 29 December 1917.  This Battalion had been formed at Sutton Mandeville from the 35^th Young Soldier Battalion as part of the 8^th Reserve Brigade[8].  Sadly, within a month this “bright young fellow and a favourite with everyone” had died of cerebrospinal meningitis in Tidworth Military Hospital[9].  His coffin was brought to Odiham Cemetery for his funeral and burial – see CWGC headstone below. He was one of several Broad Oak residents to lose his life while serving his country.