Thomas William Phillips (SN 310) born at Ballarat, was a 20 year old tram conductor when he enlisted at Ballarat on August 18th 1914. Posted to the 8th Infantry Battalion he embarked aboard the Benalla on October 19th and sailed first to Egypt and then to Gallipoli. He was wounded in the confusion of the landing suffering a gunshot wound to his shoulder, was evacuated to England but returned to Gallipoli in August. In October 1917 he was wounded again when he was gassed in Belgium. Aside from being twice wounded his service was interrupted by several discipline issues and a lengthy stay in the Bulford Hospital. At war’s end he returned aboard the Soudan, disembarked on June 29th 1919 and was discharged on October 19th. He served again in WW2 (SN V19756).

His brother Julius also served in the AIF and is honoured with a tree in the Avenue.