Philip Tilson

Born in London in 1880, he joined the 1st Battalion DLI in 1895, aged 14 years, as a Boy soldier. He then served with the same battalion until 1918, rising to the rank of Band Sergeant and having seen service in the Boer War and in India during the First World War.

In early 1918, he joined 1/25th London Regiment, as Bandmaster, and served in the 3rd Afghan War. He finally retired in November 1919, having completed 24 years in the Army with no entry on his conduct sheet!

Philip Tilson became a solicitor's clerk after leaving the Army. He died in 1947.