David was born in Sedgley on 7 April 1887, the son of Isaac Phillips and Enma Massey. His parents’ address at the time of his birth was given as 11 Gozzard Street, Bilston. David was one of eight children, with siblings Jane, Florence, Mary, Elizabeth, Isaac, Caroline and Lillian. They were at the same address in 1891, but had moved to 5 Duncan Street, Wolverhampton, by 1901. Before joining the Navy he was an errand boy.
On 8 September 1903 he joined the Royal Navy, serving on the HMS Impregnable. By 1911 he was an Able Seaman on the HMS Exmouth, serving in the Mediterranean. David’s parents both died in 1914. He rose through the ranks, to become Leading Seaman (number 227886). He served aboard the HMS Black Prince, which was sunk on the night of 31 May 1916 during the Battle of Jutland, killing all aboard.
Wolverhampton's War 
my grandfather was john joneswho served with 6th batt south staffords reg number 57232,,later went on to serve with the royal field artillery,,,started out as a gunner came out as a sergeant,,,3 times he went to the front after being injured twice,,awarded MM,,,,
Alan
Thank you very much for your message. I have found a reference to him being presented with the Military Medal in the Bilston Council minutes, and it would be nice to feature him on this blog. Have you got any more information on him, such as date of birth, or names of his parents/wife/siblings/children? I will try and find out more information about him.
Thanks.
Heidi
Hello again, Alan.
Ignore my message; I have since found an earlier message that you left, giving more details about John’s family, so I will pull something together to put on the blog. Thank you very much for helping us to remember the contribution of local men during the First World War.
Heidi