Apr 2, 1885

Born in Mayo County, Ireland

Dec 24, 1917

Attested into the 2^nd Depot Battalion, British Columbia Regiment, CEF in Victoria, British Columbia

Ø  Number 2137805

Ø  Next of kin given as Mrs. Sabina Cosgrove, sister, Bangor, Erris, Ireland

Ø  Previous occupation given as Labourer

Ø  No previous military experience given

Ø  Religion given as Roman Catholic

Ø  Assigned to the battalion’s 7^th Reinforcement Draft

 
The battalion carried out training in the Willows Camp, Oak Bay, Victoria, British Columbia

Apr 16, 1918

The 7^th Regimental Draft embarked the SS Scotian in Halifax, New Brunswick

Apr 28, 1918

Disembarked in Liverpool, England and proceeded to Seaford where the entire draft was absorbed into the 1^st Canadian Reserve Battalion to continue training

 
Prior to joining the reserve battalion however, the draft was placed in isolation to ensure that none of the members were suffering from influenza or other communicable diseases

May 9, 1918

Released from isolation to continue training in Seaford

Sep 4, 1918

Sentenced to 10 days Field Punishment #2 for overstaying Draft Leave from August 30 to September 3 and forfeited 14 days pay

Sep 13, 1918

Transferred to the 29^th Battalion

Sep 14, 1918

Arrived at the CIBD (Canadian Infantry Base Depot) in Etaples, France as part of a draft of 609 reinforcements from England and TOS (Taken On Strength) the 29^th Battalion

Sep 16, 1918

After leaving the base depot, he joined the CCRC (Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp) in Aubin St. Vaast

Sep 19, 1918

Before physically joining the 29^th Battalion, Private Philban was transferred to the 21^st Battalion

Sep 20, 1918

Private Philban joined the 21^st Battalion in the support trenches near Cagnicourt, France

Oct 11, 1918

Just 3 weeks after joining the battalion, and attack on Avesnes-le-Sec, France, was carried out and Private Philban was killed in action.  He was later buried in the Niagara British Cemetery, Iwuy, France

Following the war the British War Medal and Victory Medals were sent to his sister, Mrs. S. Cosgrove, Cloontakilla, Bangor, Erris, May, Ireland

 
There was no Plaque, Scroll or Memorial Cross issued