Biographical Details: Phillipps

Cecil Roy Phillipps was born in Moree to William Hargreaves and Cecile R. Phillipps. After his father’s death the Phillipps moved to Perth where Roy entered Hale School.
At the outbreak of war Roy was practising as an accountant. He enlisted in April 1915 and then promptly applied for a commission. He was 2nd Lt Phillipps when the 28th Battalion departed for Egypt and was appointed Lieutenant while at Gallipoli. This was the rank he held during the Trench Raid when he commanded the Covering Party, 14 men designated to cover the retiring Raiders.
Over the next twelve months Roy was wounded twice, promoted to Captain and accepted into the Australian Flying Corps (AFC). During the remaining 16 months of the war Roy was credited with shooting down 15 German aircraft, awarded the MC and bar and a DFC, promoted Major, married and fathered a daughter.
After the war Roy returned to NSW and became a Grazier but re-enlisted in 1940. As a Squadron Leader he was appointed to command the No. 2 Elementary Flying Training School. He died in in a flying accident at Amberley in Queensland in May 1941.      Roy was survived by his wife, three daughters and a son.
Military Cross:  'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has performed continuous gallant work at very low altitudes in almost impossible weather. Whilst flying alone in a mist he forced an enemy aeroplane to land. On two occasions, flying at an altitude of 200 feet he made very valuable reconnaissances, and his reports on the general situation were of the greatest value. His leadership is excellent and he has set a high example to his flight.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 95, Date: 27 June 1918
Bar to Military Cross:  'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When engaged with hostile aircraft during the recent operations, he has destroyed three enemy machines, and has in addition, brought down two hostile planes out of control. He has also brought back accurate and valuable information regarding hostile movements under the most adverse conditions, particularly on one occasion, when he flew through a heavy barrage at a low altitude behind the enemy's lines. He has shown conspicuous skill and determination when escorting low flying bombing patrols.' 
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 185, Date: 27 Nov. 1918.
DFC: Whilst on offensive patrol this officer destroyed personally four enemy aeroplanes; he has also shown the greatest gallantry during the recent operations in attacking troops and transports on the roads, and dropping bombs from very low altitudes.
The award was promulgated on 3rd August 1918