CWGC thanks the Thiepval Database Project for this story. It summarises information held at the Thiepval Visitor Centre.
Philip was born on 6th June 1882 at Clover Hill, Maryland, U.S.A., the elder of the two sons of Algernon and Mary Withers Tillard. Following Algernon's death in 1887 Mary married John Bonham-Carter, they had a daughter and lived at Adhurt St Mary, Petersfield, Hampshire.
He was educated at Winchester College (1895 to 1900), and previously at Horris Hill, Newbury, Berkshire. In 1900 he went to Magdalen College, Oxford, taking his degree in 1904.
On 29th November 1905 he entered the army as a second lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, was promoted lieutenant on 19th September 1908 and served with his regiment in India. In 1912 he retired from the service and joined the Shropshire Yeomanry.
He married Augusta Muriel Hay Murray on 10th June 1914, and they lived at Birdlip, near Cirencester, Gloucestershire. When war broke out he was acting as land-agent to Mr. N. H. Wills, of Cirencester. He first served with the Indian Cavalry in the 34th Poona Horse and later with the East Surrey Regiment with whom he went to France on 12th August 1916.
Captain Philip Algernon Tillar of the Shropshire Yeomanry, attached to 8th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment died on 19th November 1916, aged 34, during the attack and capture of Desire Trench.
He is also commemorated on the Sheet War Memorial, St. Mary Magdalen Church, Sheet, Hampshire, St. Andrew’s Church, Quatt, Shropshire and Misserden War Memorial, Gloucestershire.
His brother Lieutenant Thomas Atkinson Tillard, Norfolk Yeomanry and Royal Flying Corps, died on 6th December 1916, aged 32.
He is buried in grave III.A.207 in Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension.
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