Name
William George Davies (Davis)
24th November 1916
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
17/09/1916
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
124455
Canadian Infantry
24th Battalion
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
ADANAC MILITARY CEMETERY, MIRAUMONT
II. B. 23.
France
Headstone Inscription
No Inscription
UK & Other Memorials
Hatfield Town Memorial,
Hatfield In Memoriam Book
Pre War
William George Davis was born on 24th November 1892 in Hatfield, Herts, son of George Davis a Groom (B 1861 in Haston, Glos) and Harriett Sarah Davis (nee Humphreys) (B 1869 in Hatfield). William attended Hatfield C of E school from September 1896 until June 1900 when he transferred to the Hatfield National school (later St Audrey's school) leaving for work in November 1906 aged 14.
1901 Census record William aged 8, living with his parents, brothers Harry 11, Albert 5, sisters Mable 10, Gertrude 7 and Ethel 2, at 10 Primrose Cottages, Hatfield. His fatherwas working as a domestic groom.
By 1911 now aged 18 William was working as Domestic Gardener, living with his parents, brother Albert 16, sisters Ethel 13 and Frances 4, at 10 Primrose Cottages, Hatfield. His father is still working as a groom (estate worker).
William emigrated to Canada between 1912 & 1913.
William enlisted in Galt, Ontario, Canada, in October 1915. His Canadian Service record shows he was transferred to the 24th Battalion, Canadian Infantry, (Quebec Regiment) on 16th November 1915.
Wartime Service
William enlisted in Galt, Ontario, Canada, in October 1915. His Canadian Service record shows he was transferred to the 24th Battalion, Canadian Infantry, (Quebec Regiment) on 16th November 1915. He sailed from Halifax, on 24th April 1916, aboard the SS. Lapland for England arriving on 5th May 1916. He and his battalion arrived in France in June 1916; William was killed in action some three months later.
Additional Information
William's elder brother Company Quarter Master Serjeant 29629 Harry Davis died on 20th January 1920, at the Shorecliffe Army Camp in Kent. He is buried in St Luke's Churchyard, Hatfield.
Acknowledgments
Stuart Osborne
Jonty Wild, Christine & Derek Martindale, Hatfield Local History Society (www.hatfieldhistory.uk)
