Thomas Douglas Phillips, or Doug as he was fondly known, pictured in 2021.
The Corowa community is mourning the loss of Thomas Douglas Phillips, affectionately known as Doug, who passed away peacefully on May 16, 2024, at the age of 98.
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Doug was one of Australia’s last remaining World War II veterans, serving with distinction in the 47th Infantry Battalion in Bougainville during the Second World War. Doug was born on June 22, 1925, at the Queen Victoria Hospital.
His early years were marked by the challenges of the Great Depression, as his family moved frequently in search of work, ultimately settling in various suburbs of Melbourne.
Despite the hardships, Doug found ways to contribute, taking on jobs like a newsboy and other roles to support his family.
Private Thomas Douglas Phillips pictured in 1944.
Photo by
Corowa Journalist
In 1939, with the outbreak of World War II, Doug joined the Australian Army. He was deployed to Bougainville, where he celebrated his 20th birthday with an unexpected gift—a sniper’s bullet that took off the tip of his ear.
Doug often shared stories of his war experiences, marked by both the horrors and the camaraderie of battle. Doug completed his army training in the middle of winter in Dubbo in 1943, before he arrived in Bougainville to face the Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands in January 1945.
After the war, Doug found it difficult to settle into civilian life. He tried various professions, eventually finding success in real estate, life insurance, and later as an area manager for a television company. He eventually ran his own general store, affectionately named "Doug the Dear."
Doug married Sylvia Pearl Wilson on May 15, 1945. Together they had three children: Russell Douglas Phillips (born December 10, 1947), Anne-Marie VandeGraaf (née Phillips, born October 11, 1949), and Christopher John Phillips (born March 24, 1954).
The family has fond memories of Doug bringing home pets, going rabbiting, and enjoying beach picnics.
Doug had many close calls over his life. He was wounded once when a sniper’s bullet clipped the tip off his right ear while serving in the Pacific War.
He also had a close encounter with a shark, has had three stents placed in his heart, and more recently, had overcome bowel cancer.
Doug worked various jobs over the years, including lawn mowing, delivering newspapers, and felling trees in the mountain ranges. “I kept myself busy working up to 16 hours a day,” he told the Free Press back in 2021.
He nursed both his first and second wives as they succumbed to cancer.
Doug moved to Corowa from Melbourne in 2016. Having settled in town, he made many friends and was a valued member of the Corowa RSL Sub-branch.
“Corowa is a lovely town. People always say hello whether they know you or not,” Doug had recalled in 2021.
After retiring in 1987, Doug faced a heartbreaking year in 1996 with the passing of Sylvia. In 1999, he found companionship again with Lynette Dorothy Simmons, whom he married on May 15. Lynette’s daughters, Lynette Chrissy Simmons and Dianne Simmons, became part of his extended family, along with his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Doug’s love for life, resilience, and dedication to his family will be remembered by all who knew him.
He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and cherished memories.
Doug was an active member of the Corowa RSL Sub-branch, proudly participating in ANZAC Day commemorations and other veteran activities.
Last year, the Department of Veterans Affairs produced a commemorative medallion to acknowledge the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. We are fortunate to have a very special veteran as part of the RSL sub-branch who fought with the 47th Infantry Battalion in Bougainville during the Second World War.
A funeral service celebrating Doug’s life was held at Tobin Brothers Corowa on Tuesday, May 21. The service included a tribute by his children, a prayer by Fr John McGrath, and a special RSL service led by President Lesley Rinehart.
Doug’s daughter, Anne-Marie VandeGraaf, expressed her gratitude for the community’s support.
“My father had an incredible life filled with challenges and triumphs,” she said.
“He never complained and was always there for us. He had a special love for our mother, Sylvia, who was the love of his life.
“We all love Dad and will miss him dearly. He has a special place in our hearts and the hearts of his grandchildren.”
Russell Phillips, Doug’s eldest son, shared his admiration for his father’s resilience and dedication.
“Dad served in the Second World War as a medic and had many stories of his experiences,” he said.
“I followed in his footsteps and joined the Army, inspired by his bravery and dedication. It took over 27 years after the end of the Second World War for my father to receive his medal entitlements. When he finally received them, it was a proud moment for all of us.
“Dad loved my mother so much and never got over her passing. He remarried Lynette Simmons, but sadly, she also passed away.
“We will always remember Dad’s love and strength.”
At the service, the family thanked Georgina Agnew, who Doug shared the last years of his life with, a dear friend and partner. Georgie stood by Doug through his health challenges, offering unwavering support and care.
Doug is survived by his children Russell, Anne-Marie, and Christopher, as well as his grandchildren Fiona, Marcus, Stefan, Belinda, Shauna, Rachel, Emma, Louise, and Samantha, and his great-grandchildren Asha, Micayla, Luc, William, Ely, Mac, Summer, Lockie, Nikkita, Eliana, Miller, Adam, and Aston.
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