Roy Phillipps, from North Sydney, was a founding member of 2 Sqn AFC. During the working up of the squadron in England in the summer of 1917, Phillipps was one of four pilots sent on attachment to active units to get some experience of life at the Front. Philipps spent his time with 32 Sqn Royal Flying Corps, which flew DH.5s, the type with which 2 Sqn was to be equipped. On his return from 32 Sqn he became one of the flight commanders, which entailed promotion to Captain.

From 1918, 2 Sqn AFC flew SE.5as and Phillipps started to build a score. From April, 2 AFC joined two RFC squadrons, 43 and 80 (both with Camels) to conduct large- formation fighter sweeps designed to establish local control of the air. These `circus' operations as they were called were tactically effective, but often disappointing for the pilots involved - the large groups of fighters certainly frightened off any small formations of German planes that they encountered, but so successfully that they were often unable to engage them in combat.

Not always, however.

On June 12th, 2 Sqn AFC was flying in squadron strength on an offensive patrol from their temporary base at Foquerolles on the Marne front. The SEs were in their usual position of top cover at about 17,000 feet, with 43's Camels several thousand feet below. A group of six Fokker Dr Is attacked the Camels, and Phillipps led the SEs down to intercept. The Germans were caught unawares and Philipps shot down the formation leader, then turned and sent another down after a head-on pass. The fight broke up, but, now at a much lower altitude, Phillipps spotted two LVG two-seaters flying below him at about 6,000 feet. He promptly attacked them both, shooting one down and damaging the other. The circus reformed and Phillipps led 2 AFC back to its high cover position. Shortly after, the formation was again attacked, this time by the Fokker DVIIs of Jasta 26, and again they went for the Camels, apparently not spotting the SE.5s above them. The Fokkers were driven off by the SE's, but not before Phillipps had notched up his fourth kill of the patrol. His victim was the leader of Jasta 26, Oblt Fritz Loerzer, younger brother of Bruno and himself an 11-victory ace, who was captured after having to force-land on the wrong side of the lines.

Phillipps finished the war with 15 victories, the second highest total by a member of 2 Australian Flying Corps.