AVARD, Philip Charles

Philip, the eldest child of Charles and Sarah Avard, was born in the Inverell District where his birth was registered in 1901. The family appear to have moved to Warialda about 1914.

After having his medical examination at Warialda in June 1916, and with his parents permission to serve overseas, he enlisted at Narrabri the following month. He joined the 56th Battalion, 8th Reinforcement and sailed from Australia on HMAT A29 Suevic in November. The Battalion arrived in England two months later. During April 1917 Philip was transferred to the 63rd Battalion and sent to France in August.

Just two months later he was seriously wounded and admitted to hospital with a gunshot wound to his leg. Three weeks later he died of wounds in France and was buried at Boulogne Eastern Cemetery. He was only eighteen years old. Philip’s personal possessions were returned to his father and included a razor, photos and unit colours.

At Warialda a Memorial Service was held for him at the Church of England Church on 11 November 1917.

Private Philip Avard has his name recorded on the Inverell Intermediate High School and Warialda Honor Rolls.