Robert Edwin "Bob" PhillipsVC (11 April 1895 – 23 September 1968) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
On 25 January 1917 near Kut, Mesopotamia, Lieutenant Phillips went to the assistance of his commanding officer (Edward Elers Delaval Henderson) who was lying in the open, having been mortally wounded while leading a counter-attack. The lieutenant went out with a comrade and, under the most intense fire, they succeeded in bringing their commanding officer back to British lines.[4]
On 26 January 2008, a blue plaque was erected on Holyhead House,[5] Phillips' childhood home, at 54b, Hill Top, West Bromwich.[2][6]
Street name
The revised street name plate
A street in Sandwell, near his birthplace, was named in his honour in 2000. However the name "Edwin Phillips Drive"[7] was used in error. Derek Pinches, Phillips' great nephew, noticed the error and local historians campaigned to have the name changed. This met with resistance from residents of the drive, 85% of whom objected. As a compromise, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council replaced the street name plate with one explaining that the street name commemorates "Capt Robert Edwin Phillips V.C.".[8]
