JARVIS Philip Baylis

Philip Baylis Jarvis was born in 1896 in the Alcester District.  On the 1911 census Philip Baylis Jarvis, born in Redditch, aged 14, Needle, Fish Hook & Tackle Manufacturers Timekeepers Assistant lived with his parents Walter and Emily Jarvis at 7 Archer Road, Redditch.  He enlisted in the army on 10th December 1915 when he gave his age as 19 years and 5 months and his occupation as a Coal Merchants Clerk.

The Bromsgrove, Droitwich and Redditch Messenger, Saturday 8th December 1917:
Other Local Casualties
Killed
Jarvis P. B. – Gunner (117016) – R.G.A. from Redditch

Bromsgrove, Droitwich and Redditch Messenger digitised by and courtesy of Martin Stephens.

The following report appears in the Redditch Indicator:
Signaller Philip Jarvis, Redditch, Killed in action
Mrs Jarvis, 7, Archer Road, Redditch, has received official intimation that her son, Signaller Philip Jarvis, R.G.A., was killed in action in France on October 27th.  This young soldier, who was 21 years of age, was a son of the late Mr Walter Jarvis.  He was well known in the town and held the affectionate regard of all who knew him.  For some years before he enlisted he was in the employ of Messrs. F. C. Huins and Seden, Redditch.  He attested under the Derby Scheme and. although under exemption, his sense of duty was so keen and his patriotism so strong that he could not rest satisfied until he was with the colours.  He “joined up” in September last year, and went out to France in March of this year.  Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved widowed mother and relatives, who have received letters of condolence from the major in command of the Battery and from the chaplain.  In a letter of sympathy to Mrs. Jarvis the deceased soldier’s former employer, Mr F. C. Huins, says how much “Philip was liked at the works.  He was so unselfish at all times, so trustworthy and faithful.  Although his life has been so short he has done much to make the world better. to myself he was as considerate and faithful as any son could possibly be, and he never complained, no matter how awkwardly matters went.  Although he was under exemption from military service, he could not be persuaded to stay.  His duty, he said, was to go and fight for his country.  He was as cool when ordered to France as though he was just about to start on an ordinary holiday.”

Redditch Indicator report taken from Redditch at War by Alan Foxall and Ray Saunders, Breedon Books 2004.