Reg Phillips
Image: Madge Phillips
Pedigree

Birth, Death, Marriage

Reginald Phillips was born on 3 August 1924 in Ascot Vale, Victoria.1 
He died on 9 August 1995 in Heidelberg, Victoria, at age 71.2 

Family
Children
  • Susan Merl Phillips
  • Robyn Mary Phillips
  • Kerri Anne Phillips
  • Timothy Brian Phillips
  • Christopher Alan Phillips
  • Jane Majella Phillips
  • Reginald Joseph Phillips
  • William Clyde Phillips

Story

Reginald was born in Ascot Vale, Melbourne on 3 August 1924. He was the second child of Irene and Thomas. He was known as Reg, but born as Reginold though with his name usually shown as Reginald.1,3
 
Early Life 
With Jack, Reg and Laurie born in 1923, 1924 and 1925, stories of any of the boys' childhood escapades invariably featured all three. They grew up during the Great Depression, which was at its peak in Australia in the early 1930s. Particularly during this time, with money used for essentials only, the boys relied on their own resourcefulness and made their own fun.4
Jack, Laurie & Reg Phillips
Image: Nene Courtie
The Parachute: Laurie reckoned that being the youngest of the three, he was usually the guinea pig when an operator or pilot was needed. Like the time they decided to make a parachute out of hession bags and rope. Jack and Reg did most of the design and construction. Laurie got to test it out. With the chute strapped to his back, Laurie was encouraged to climb to the highest point they could find. And jump. Unfortunately, the chute got tangled in a tree branch and when Laurie eventually hit the ground, he landed flat on his back. As he lay there winded and in pain, Jack and Reg stood over him laughing their heads off. When Laurie could eventually breathe, he joined in the laughing.

Decades later, when asked how they would top that, Laurie said that Jack and Reg had advanced plans involving a bottomless 44 gallon drum and inner tube 'propellant' to shoot him out of a cannon.5
 
Back: Reg & Laurie; front: Rene, Brian & Don Phillips, c. 1937
Image: Rene Barnes
Eilie's harp (as told by Laurie Phillips): A few months after Tom and Eilie married, Reg and I were holidaying at Balliang for our Christmas holidays. Auntie Eilie was learning to play a small harp type instrument that was a wedding present. She wasn't making much headway with it. Uncle Tom got the giggles, and Reg and I joined in. Auntie Eilie did the melon and sent Reg and I off to bed, and I guess maybe uncle Tom's honeymoon was over.6
 
How fast will it go, Tom?: Tom Redden had a big car. With Tom and Eilie in the front, and the visiting Reg and Laurie in the back on their way to church, the boys would ask 'How fast will it go, Tom?' Tom would duly oblige by planting the foot, much to the delight of the two in the back. When they got back to school after the holidays and were asked 'what did you do for Christmas?', they would recount the story of how they went screaming along in their uncle's car at 60 miles an hour.7
 
Reg played drums in a combined schools' Centenary parade in Kilmore at the end of the 1938 school year.
One could not but feel proud of Young Australia, as each boy and girl stepped out in rhythmic movement to the beat of drums played by Messrs Harry Hollingshead Shiel (Wandong) and two Assumption College boys, T Dugan and Reg Phillips.8

 
Reg was a Carlton Football Club supporter.
 
Military Service
Reg reported for service in the Second World War with the Royal Australian Navy at the HMAS Cerberus training facility near Crib Point on Westernport Bay on 29 July 1942. This was five days before his 18th birthday.

Ranked Ordinary Seaman 2, two months later Reg had qualified in gunnery and was assigned to the cruiser HMAS Adelaide. Following a month on the Adelaide, his seamanship was rated 'very good'. During November 1942, Reg was at the HMAS Lonsdale training facility in Port Melbourne. In December he was aboard the auxillary minesweeper HMAS Marrawah before returning to HMAS Adelaide. In July 1943, Reg was promoted to Able Seaman.

His association with the cruiser HMAS Shropshire began in May 1944. Within months he was a 20 year old gun loader in the last major naval battle to take place in the Pacific.2,1
Reginald Phillips, RAN, service no. PM4748, c. 1943
Image: Rene Barnes
HMAS Adelaide wearing her disruptive pattern camouflage during WWII
Image: Royal Australian Navy
HMAS Shropshire
Image: Royal Australian Navy
On 20 October 1944 Australian ships were part of the massive Allied invasion fleet that landed American troops at Leyte Gulf, in the Philippines, enabling General Douglas MacArthur to honour his promise made two years earlier to return to liberate the Philippines. On 21 October Japanese aircraft attacked the Allied fleet, targeting Shropshire and Australia, the latter becoming the first Allied warship to be hit by a kamikaze aircraft.

Australia was forced to withdraw, but on 25 October, Shropshire and Arunta took part in what became the last traditional line sea battle in history, the Battle of Suriago Strait. This action, part of the wider Battle of Leyte Gulf, routed a smaller Japanese battle squadron. The Battle of Leyte Gulf virtually finished the Imperial Japanese Navy as a fighting force.

In January 1945, the repaired Australia, together with Shropshire, Arunta and Warramunga, carried out bombardments while under heavy attack from enemy aircraft including kamikazes. Once again Australia became the victim of sustained air attacks with five aircraft hitting the ship. Just after midday on Saturday 6 January, Shropshire was attacked and near-missed by a kamikaze. After another attack on Australia, it was sent for repair in Sydney. Shropshire and the other RAN ships, including newly repaired Hobart, continued in the area until March 1945.9
 
In March 1945, Shropshire returned to Sydney for maintenance and a period of R&R for her crew. In June 1945 Shropshire was back in the operational area and after supporting landings on the island of Borneo returned to the Philippines and was there on 15 August 1945 when Emperor Hirohito announced the Japanese surrender.

Reg was aboard the Shropshire when she sailed for Tokyo Bay and was present for the formal Japanese surrender on 2 September 1945.1,10
 
In 1995, fifty years after the event, Reg and his fellow sailors were awarded the Philippine Liberation Medal by the Philippine government for the part they played in liberating the islands.

The Philippine Liberation Medal is a military award of the Republic of the Philippines. This Medal was awarded to any service member, of both Philippine and allied militaries, who participated in the liberation of the Philippine Islands between the dates of October 17, 1944 and September 2, 1945.11,12,13

Reg Phillips received the Philippines Liberation Medal, 1995
Image: Shepparton News
Philippine Liberation Medal
His job as a gunner was hard and took its toll on Reg's health.

Reg had the worst of the war, registering as a seaman, and getting the difficult job of gunner. In this job they were continually below deck moving and loading ammunition, and had no knowledge of what was happening, as they could see little from their partitioned boxes below deck. [Laurie Phillips]

Working in intense heat below deck, with no clear picture of the battle occuring, Mr Phillips' skill was pitted against the formitable Japanese naval force which had sailed into the Surigao Sea.

Mr Phillips fed shells into the eight inch guns as fast as he and his team could manage.

They managed so well - they were so fast the ship claimed a record in firing eight broadsides in two minutes at an attacking Japanese fleet.

It was fiercly hot work for Mr Phillips who was moving shells by hydraulic equipment because they were too heavy to lift.

Holed up deep inside the bowels of the ship, he knew from the Captain's instructions and the resonant booming they were engaging the enemy but had no clear idea of where they were.

'We had no idea what was going on. If we got hit you are a few decks down below. If we got a direct hit you're here to stay. You wouldn't want to be claustrophobic'.14,15

 
Five days after the signing of the Japanese surrender, Reg had an interim assessment of chemical dermatitis and was approved to be transferred to Lonsdale [Melbourne] or Cerberus [Crib Point] for investigation. As the Shropshire was staying in the area, he transferred to the Hobart and returned via Sydney. He spent late September and early October at Canonbury naval hospital at Darling Point in Sydney before transfer to Cerberus 8 October 1945. At hospital in Cerberus, his condition was classified as dyshidrotic eczema of both hands and Reg was directed to apply for a pension.

Reginald Phillips was discharged from the Royal Australian Navy on 6 March 1946.1,16,10
 
Tomatoes
When Reg returned from the second world war, he went into a tomato growing venture at Stanhope with his friend, Murray Slee. This lasted for about two seasons.2,17
 
Employment Agency
Around 1948, Reg worked for a government employment agency assisting ex-servicemen in finding work.17
 
Football
Jack, Reg and Laurie all played football in Shepparton. Jack played for Shepparton East, Reg played for Shepparton, and Laurie played one year with Shepparton then a year with SPC. They may have also played in combined Goulburn Valley teams.

Inclusion of Laurie Phillips in the Canners team completes the line-up of Tom Phillips' sons in each of the local teams of the CGVL. They are Reg (Shepparton), Jack (Shepparton East) and Laurie (SPC). Another son, Don, plays with Shepparton seconds. [Jun 1949]18,19,20

 
In 1947, Laurie joined Reg at the 'Maroons', the Shepparton Football Club.
 
Reg had a life long connection with the Shepparton Football Club. He started playing after returning from the war and ultimately played 117 senior games.

He played his first game in 1946:
Shepparton who's who
...
MURRAY SLEE (ruck) aged 24, and weighing 14.3, played his football for Caulfield in the Melbourne Federal League. This is his first year with Shepparton.
REG PHILLIPS played Navy football during the war years and also in his first year with the Shepparton side.21,22,23

Reg Phillips, possibly a combined Goulburn Valley team jersey, c. 1950
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Shepparton Football Club, premiers 1951, Reg Phillips (back row, second from right), Murray Slee (back row, second from left), Bill Haddock (middle row, left)
Image: Madge Phillips
Back: Jack Gilbert, Barry ?, Eric Roscoe, ? De Figarato, ?, Ken Johnson, Meo Darveniza, Reg Phillips, Murray Slee, Wicky Harris, Max Gunnel; front: Allan Goodlett, Jack O'Brien, Puddy Ledwidge, Laurie Phillips, Ron Guy, Oakie McAuliffe, Rudd Williams, Vin O'Brien, Noel Hartin, possibly a combined Goulburn Valley team, c. 1950
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Sheep raffle: At a footy carnival in Berrigan, the Shepparton team won. While celebrating in the local pub, Reg and Murray spotted a sheep there. They had a great idea - put Reg's footy jersey on the sheep and raffle it! They made a bit of money and spent the lot on more beer. Some time later they heard the sheep was a pet, and it belonged to the lady who ran the pub. So next morning they headed back to Berrigan, apologised profusely to the publican and paid her for the sheep. She was fine with it, and happy to get her money back twice. [Murray Slee]17
 
Speedy Shepparton
...
Murray Slee, Maroon’s burly ruckman, weighing 13 st, 7 lb is known as Shepparton’s Rock of Gibralter.
...
Reg Phillips, half forward, can be a most effective player on his day and is one of the few players who can take high finger tip marks.
...
Bill Haddock, 26 and 6ft tall, is the spearhead of our attack and we all look forward to Bill’s day on Saturday. A high mark and a steady kick, Bill is a problem to all full backs.
...
Laurie Phillips, 21 years of age, is in his first year with the Maroons and has played consistently on the half back flank.24
 
Reg was later involved with the running of the club, and served as president in 1976 and 1977. In recognition of his efforts, he was made a life member.21,2
Reg Phillips, Shepparton Footbal Club President, presenting the keys to a car won in a raffle, 1976 or 1977
Image: Madge Phillips
Jimmy Guthrie, Reg Phillips, Jack Edwards, unknown; possibly Reg appointed president of Shepparton Football Club, 1976
Image: Madge Phillips
Lorraine and Laurie's Wedding
Val was bridesmaid at her sister Lorraine's wedding and Reg was best man for his brother Laurie.
Val Williams (bridesmaid) & Reg Phillips (best man), Laurie & Lorraine Phillips wedding, St Mary's, Mooroopna, Sep 1951
Image: Val Williams
Reg, Laurie & Lorraine (Williams) Phillips, Val Williams, Sep 1951
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
The wedding party celebrated the occasion 40 years later.
Reg, Laurie & Lorraine (Williams) Phillips, Val Williams, wedding party 40 years on, Sep 1991
Mensland
In late 1954, Reg decided to leave the hotel and start his own business. He sold his share in the hotel and for a year or so, ran Mensland, a men's clothing business.25
 
City Dry Cleaners
Of Reg's business ventures, his best known is City Dry Cleaners. His first bundle of clothing was processed in his High Street shop in 1955 or 1956, and here he operated the business for about 20 years.

He built the business on quality and service, including a free delivery and repair service. The little Morris vans were seen throughout Shepparton picking up and delivering garments in the 1950s and 1960s.

The major changes to the business occured with the widespread introduction of the Perclean solvent (replacing white spirit), and movement of national cleaning businesses like Gouge and Spotless.

Reg sold the business in 1976 and it was still operating 20 years later.26,2
Reg Phillips, City Dry Cleaners, Shepparton, 1960
Image: Lost Shepparton, Facebook
Image: Lost Shepparton, Facebook
Original City Dry Cleaners staff: Bettie Maude, Pat Whyte, Bob Fitzpatrick, Ron McKay, Pattie Irwin & Tony Noonan, Shepparton, 1960
Image: Lost Shepparton, Facebook
Noel Heenan & Robyn Phillips with a City Dry Cleaners van, Shepparton, Sep 2002
Image: Shepparton News
Car Sales
After the dry cleaners, Reg worked as a car salesman, first with Shepparton Toyota and later with Goulburn Valley Motors.27,28
 
Reginald Phillips died at Repatriation hospital in Heidelberg on 9 August 1995, six days after his 71st birthday.

Following a service at St Brendan's church, he was buried at Pine Lodge cemetery in Shepparton East on 12 August 1995.2
 

Citations

  1. [S256] 'Phillips Reginald', A6770 Service Cards for Petty Officers and Men, 1911-1970, control symbol 'Phillips R', service record, 1942-1946.
  2. [S263] 'Farewell to one of nature's gentlemen', Shepparton News, 11 August 1995, p. 17.
  3. [S551] Madge Phillips, eulogy, document, 19 October 2016.
  4. [S2] 'Great Depression in Australia', Wikipedia, online, Wikimedia Foundation, viewed 26 July 2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Depression_in_Australia
  5. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 10 December 2012.
  6. [S281] 'Phillips Family', Facebook, webpage, Facebook Inc, group created 25 June 2011, 8 January 2012 post by Laurie Phillips.
  7. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 26 May 2014.
  8. [S560] 'Combined schools' Centenary sports and gala procession', Kilmore Free Press, 1868-1989, newspaper, T Hunt, 8 December 1938, p. 3, viewed 9 September 2019, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/58111102
  9. [S2] 'Kamikaze', World War II 1939-1945, Anzac portal, online, Australian Government, Department of Veterans' Affairs, viewed 12 March 2020, https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/wars-and-missions/…
  10. [S2] 'HMAS Shropshire', Navy, online, Royal Australian Navy, viewed 13 March 2020, https://www.navy.gov.au/hmas-shropshire
  11. [S289] Jane Murray, personal communication, 18 January 2020.
  12. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 18 January 2020.
  13. [S2] 'Philippine Liberation Medal', Republic of the Philippines, online, Embassy of the Philippines, Canberra, viewed 12 March 2020, https://www.philembassy.org.au/consular/other-services/…
  14. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 26 September 1999.
  15. [S18] 'Battle at sea', Shepparton News, 1877-, newspaper, Roy McPherson, August 1995, p. 17, Victory in the Pacific feature, viewed 24 November 2021|.
  16. [S2] 'Australia in the War of 1939–1945. Series 2 – Navy: Chapter 28, Surrender - and aftermath', Second World War Official Histories, online, Australian War Memorial, viewed 13 March 2020, https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1417550
  17. [S565] Murray Slee, personal communication, 6 March 2020.
  18. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 17 February 2015.
  19. [S201] 'Canners trounce Maroons', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 21 June 1949, p. 2, viewed 1 November 2017, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/188082271
  20. [S201] 'Over the fence', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 3 June 1949, p. 4, viewed 20 November 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/188081736
  21. [S282] History of the Shepparton Football Club, commemorative souvenir book, 1981.
  22. [S247] 'Mine host pulls his last glass', Shepparton News, 27 September 1979, p. 9.
  23. [S201] 'Shepparton who's who', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 6 September 1946, p. 15, viewed 4 October 2017, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/187172143
  24. [S201] 'Blues and Maroons in semi final clash: Speedy Shepparton', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 12 September 1947, p. 7, viewed 16 August 2017, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/173898327
  25. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, conversation 27 October 2013.
  26. [S283] 'Relic found', Shepparton News, McPherson Media, 11 September 2002.
  27. [S281] 'Phillips Family', Facebook, webpage, Facebook Inc, group created 25 June 2011, 31 January 2020 comment by Jane Murray on 2 December 2012 post by Peter Phillips.
  28. [S281] 'Phillips Family', Facebook, webpage, Facebook Inc, group created 25 June 2011, 31 January 2020 comment by Reg Phillips on 2 December 2012 post by Peter Phillips.