6103 Private VINCENT Phillip John

1st Australian Infantry Battalion, 19th Reinforcements 

Phillip was born at Marengo (Murringo). Phillip, a labourer, enlisted on 14 March 1916 at Cootamundra aged 21. His Brother AJ Vincent was his next of kin on enlistment, but this was later changed to his mother Mrs Elizabeth Jane Vincent of Moppity Road Young. His Father being deceased. 

Phillip sailed from Sydney on 22 August 1916 on HMAT A18 Wiltshire arriving in Plymouth 13 October 1916. He spent two months at the 1st Training Battalion leaving for France from Folkestone on the SS Arundel on 13 December 1916. He was taken on strength of 1st Battalion on 9 January 1917. 

Phillip was initially reported killed in action, in the field in France, between the 5th and 8th May 1917, aged about 22 years. There is an unsigned note on his file saying, ‘Buried in vicinity of Bullecourt’. A Red Cross enquiry into Phillip’s death in November – December 2017, determined Richard died on 8th May 1917. 

3354 Private HUCKLE W reported:

“I saw him killed at Bullecourt [8th May 1917]. He was hit with shell fragments about the body and died instantly. I knew him very well, he was the only man of that name in the Company. We held the ground, but I do not know the place of burial, and I cannot refer to anyone for particulars. He was sure to have been buried near the place of casualty." 

Phillip’s Brother AJ Vincent signed a receipt for his effects on 9 February 1918. His Mother signed for his medals, the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory, on 27 March 1923. She was granted a pension of two pounds a fortnight effective 28 July 1917. Known unto God. Vincent is remembered at the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, Picardie, France