John Thomas Davies

John Thomas Davies VC (29 September 1895 – 28 October 1955) was an English soldier and recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that was awarded in the British Empire, and to this day in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth..

For the Anglican priest, see John Thomas Davies (priest).

John Thomas Davies

VC
Born(1895-09-29)29 September 1895
Rock Ferry, Birkenhead, Cheshire
Died28 October 1955(1955-10-28) (aged 60)
St. Helens, Lancashire
Buried
St Helens Borough Cemetery
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
UnitThe South Lancashire Regiment
Home Guard
Battles/warsWorld War I
World War II
Awards Victoria Cross

He was 22 years old and a corporal in the 11th (Service) Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment (The Prince of Wales's Volunteers), British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 24 March 1918 near Eppeville, France, when his company was ordered to withdraw, Corporal Davies knew that the only line of withdrawal lay through a deep stream lined with a belt of barbed wire; he saw it imperative to hold up the enemy as long as possible. He mounted the parapet in full view of the enemy in order to get a more effective field of fire and kept his Lewis gun in action to the last, causing many enemy casualties and enabling part of his company to get across the river, which they would otherwise have been unable to do.[1]

He was taken prisoner after the action. During World War II, he was a Captain in the Home Guard. He was buried in St. Helens Borough Cemetery, Lancashire, England. (C. of E. Section. Area 59. Grave 426.)


The Medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Imperial War Museum, London, England.

References
  1. "No. 30697". The London Gazette (Supplement). 21 May 1918. p. 6058.
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