39991 Private William Davies
2nd Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers
26th September 1917
Born in 1885 in Buttington, Welshpool, Montgomeryshire. His parents were David Davies (1842-1917) and
Anne Hughes (25/09/1852-05/12/1933. They were married on 03/06/1873.
William had 7 brothers, David (23/01/1878-1947), Joseph (18/01/1880-1962), Edward (born on 04/05/1883),
Walter (07/02/1888-28/11/1942), Robert (born on 07/02/1890), Stanley (born on 04/09/1894) and Alfred (born in 1897).
He also had 4 sisters, Catherine (born on 14/09/1874), Harriet (12/12/1875-1958), Annie Elizabeth (born on 09/05/1884)
and Mary Jane (1892-21/04/1953).
In the 1891(Welsh) census, the family were recorded as living in Hope, Buttington, Welshpool. David snr. was a farmer.
The 1901(Welsh) census showed the family still living in Hope and William was now working for his father on the farm.
By the time of the 1911(Welsh)census, the family had moved to a farm in Cwmbychan Leighton, Welshpool. William was still working for his father on the farm.
Circumstances must have changed at home as when William enlisted into the army on 12/02/1916 in Stafford, he was also
living there at the Union Workhouse. whilst being employed as a labour master.
William was mobilized on 18/04/1916 and had a medical the same day.
Apparent age - 30 years 11 months
Height - 5ft 5 inches
Weight - 131lbs
Chest when fully expanded 35 inches, range of expansion 2 inches
Physical development - good.
He was posted the same day and joined the 3rd Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers on 27/04/1916; though it was not until
a year later on 11/05/1917 that William was sent to France via Folkstone, arriving in France the following day.
Whilst in the depot camp he was charged with being absent past midnight on 06/05/1917 until reporting himself at 5pm
on 07/05/1917. He was admonished on 08/05/1917 and forfeited 2 days pay.
From the camp in France he was posted and proceeded to join the 2nd Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers on 25/05/1917.
He was killed in action on 26/09/1917.
William was awarded the 1914-1918 British War and Allied Victory medals.