The interview was conducted by Age Exchange in partnership with The University of Essex and The First World War Centre –University of Hertfordshire –as part of the Children of The Great War project. Philip Everard Graham Marsh (born Bangalore 2nd January 1895 – died December 1919) Served with The British Army- Royal Army Service Corps from August 11th 1914 until June 1918 when joined the RAF) Philip Everard Graham Marsh’s story was shared by his Granddaughter Camilla Jarvis. The story of his short life was illustrated by a remarkable collection of family artefacts, photographs, letters, war memorabilia, including his own photo scrap book and even the Baby Book kept by his wife for the daughter never knew. The collection which was spread out across 3 trestle tables was in some ways reminiscent of a shrine. It had been created by 4 generations of women each committed to ensuring his life was captured and passed on to subsequent generations within the family. The collection began with Philip’s mother, then his wife, daughter, then finally Granddaughter Camilla. The collection is one of the most extensive and detailed Age Exchange has seen. Camilla began by talking about her Grandfather’s death and then working through his story from his early life. She had documentation recording his death, which occurred in December 1919 at Feltwell in Norfolk. By then Philip had been appointed a 2nd Lieutenant in the RAF and having been appointed a Flight Instructor (training) on 15th November 1919. Having survived 4 years of service in France, Philip was killed in a mid-air collision along with his mechanic, when his Avro BE2E (5822) collided with another plane, of which the other crew were unhurt. Camilla recalled that Philip had been killed 6 months before her Mother’s birth, having been married to his young wife Violet (18) for only 3 months. She brought a silver bedside hand mirror to show us, which had been part of a wedding set Philip had given Violet on their wedding day. Philip Everard Graham Marsh was born into a military family in India. His own Father was a major in the 19th Royal Hussars, and his mother the daughter of the Commander of the British Police – Central India. The family were very much a part of British Imperial life in India. Philip came to England for his education as a young boy, where he attended the prestigious Lancing College. (his name is listed on the war memorial at the school and in the book of remembrance). He joined the Officer Cadet Corps at the college. The college was preparation for Sandhurst which he attended for officer training before the Great War. His Royal Military College Report described him as’ “smart, keen, a good shot, fine rider” etc. Aged 19 he joined the Royal Army Service Corps and on August 11th 1914 travelled with the British Expeditionary Force (6th Division) to France. Camilla has a fine collection of photos taken by him of him at the front, as well as from 1915 photos of him at home on leave. The view of him as described in letters is that he was charming, casual, of fine character and good humour. Philip was awarded the Military Cross in June 1916, and was also subsequently mentioned in dispatches. Years later his wife attempted to find out what the awards were for through correspondence with the war office. She was unsuccessful, possibly because much of the archive was destroyed in the Second World War. Much of Philips story is reflected through the collection of photos retained by the family and letters of condolence written to Violet and Philip’s mother following his tragic death. Along with other artefacts Camilla brought his snuff box to show us along with a bedside framed photograph kept by his mother by her bedside throughout the war. One remarkable object was the baby book kept to capture the infant years of Philip’s daughter by his very young wife. Camilla also brought a lock of Philip’s hair, a poignant memento from the family collection. I asked whether she had an object in the collection that was her favourite. Camilla pointed to a ring on her finger which had been given to Violet by Philip as an engagement ring months before his death. The ring comprised of 4 sapphires set in gold. It had Camilla said been worn in turn by Violet, by Camilla’s mother and by her. A joint project between Age Exchange, the University of Essex and the Everyday Lives in War FWW Engagement Centre, University of Herts. For further information, please contact Everyday Lives in War, https://everydaylivesinwar.herts.ac.uk/ || || Photograph || Philip Everard Graham Marsh || || Collection || Memorabilia and lock of hair, preserved by widow and subsequent family of Philip E. G. Marsh || Philip Everard Graham Marsh

Arthur F. Gooding in uniform || || Arthur F. Gooding || Photograph taken from a collecting day at Age Exchange, London UK || The medals, cap-badges, and pocket-watch of Arthur F Gooding

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