HEATH, Philip

Philip Heath was born in Cradley and lived in Talbot Street with his wife. He was a loyal member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church where he was deputy organist to his father. He volunteered in 1916 and was sent to the West Yorkshires. He had been on the Western Front for a year and, according to his letters, had 'some marvellous escapes'. In 1918 the Yorkshires faced the second German Spring offensive on the Lys and were forced into retreat. In a 'backs to the wall' defence the enemy was halted but at heavy cost. After reorganisation they returned for the last stage of the Advance to Victory in October. German resistance was still strong and more casualties were taken in the victorious Battle of the Selle. Private Philip Heath was seriously wounded but the final battle had been won. He was taken to the Military Hospital at Rouen where he died on the day of the Armistice. He is buried in St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen (S III T 19) and commemorated on the Cradley Memorial.