Harry Davies
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Harry Davies was born c1895 at Sutton-in-Ashfield, to parents John and Jane Davies who had nine children born alive of whom five were still living in 1911. In 1901 when they were living at 2 Union Street, Sutton in Ashfield; they had three children, Harry (5), Gertrude (1) and William (5 months). Gertrude died in 1909 aged 10. By 1911 the family was living at Forest Street, Portland Square, Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire. Their surviving children were all at home; Harry, William, Elizabeth (9), Phoebe (7) and Winifred (3). Also living with the family was Jane's widowed mother, Elizabeth Turner (78). Harry worked as a miner and at the age of 15 was a banksman above ground. His sister Phoebe died on 30 December 1919 age 16 and a second sister, Elizabeth, died on 16 February 1932 age 30. John and Jane Davies later moved to 21 Langford Street Sutton in Ashfield. His father died on 23 February 1938 age 65 and his mother on 10 February 1962 age 87.
Harry enlisted and served with 'B' Company , 2nd battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers. He was killed on 12th October 1916 and is buried in the Guards Cemetery, Lesboeufs (grave reference III U 6). He qualified for the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
The following report appeared in the Notts Free Press dated 22nd December 1916. PRIVATE H DAVIES 'Reported by the authorities as missing since October 12th, the relatives and friends of Private Harry Davies of Langford Street, Sutton, fear that he may be amongst the lost. Private Davies was connected with the 2nd Lancs and was 21 years of age. Prior to enlistment he worked at the New Hucknall Colliery.' Inscription on headstone in Sutton in Ashfield cemetery: ‘In loving memory of a dear husband & father, John Davies, who died Feb. 23rd 1938 aged 65 years. Father in thy gracious keeping leave we now our loved ones sleeping. Also dear wife & mother, Jane Davies, who died February 10th 1962 aged 87 years. Reunited.’ Kerbstones: ‘In loving memory of the dearly loved son and daughters of John and Jane Davies. Harry, who fell in action in the Battle of the Somme Oct. 12th 1916 aged 21 years.’ and ‘Elizabeth died February 16th 1932 aged 30 years, Phoebe died December 30th 1919 aged 16 years.’ (this kerbstone has been broken in two and the lettering damaged.) Soldiers' Effects: His mother, Jane, was his sole legatee. Additional inform courtesy of Lynne Weston and Rachel Farrand
