(1893-1989)
Occupation: farmer
Rank: Private
ServiceNumber: 6/2346
Force: Canterbury Infantry Battalion
FAMILY
Philip was born on 20 August 1893 to Thomas Mark Skilton and Florence Octavia (nee Neal).
He was sixth of six boys and a sister, all the boys enlisting in the war.
He was raised in Puramahoi.
PRE WAR
Philip farmed for William Scrimgeour at Ferntown. He joined Territorials B Co 18th Regt Nelson.
1915
Private Philip Skilton (service number 6/2346) 1st Battalion Canterbury Regt 12th Coy enlisted on 15 March in Takaka. He and and his brother, John James, had consecutive service numbers. After training he first served in the Dardenelles. On 1 September he was admitted to a hospital in Cairo suffering enteritis, then on 11 September was transferred to Convalescent Camp, Alexandria. On 27 October he was admitted to 2nd Southern Hospital, Bristol. He returned to Alexandria and rejoined his Unit in Ismalia.
1916
On 24 January Philip was admitted to New Zealand Hospital with mumps. Having recovered on 12 March he was posted to 1st Batt. On 6 April he rejoined his unit and embarked on the ship “Franconia” at Port Said for France. On 21 July his promotion to L/Cpl was approved. He was reported wounded at Rouen but this was later rescinded. In August he enjoyed leave in England.
1917
In February Philip was promoted to L/Sgt and attended Brigade school in England.
1918
In January he was promoted to Sgt.
1919
On 5 March Philip returned home on the ship “Remuera” and was discharged on 4 June.
Philip served in Egypt (1915 to 1916), Gallipoli (1915), and Western Europe (1916 to 1918). His service in New Zealand was for 130 days, and he served overseas for 4 years 92 days.
POST-WAR
Philip married Mary Ogilvie Solly. He also served during World War 2, as a Flt/Lt. In 1951 he is recorded as being a Carpenter at Wakatu. Philip died on 12 November 1989, aged 96, and is buried at Marsden Cemetery with his wife.