James Edgar Davies was born in September 1897 at Ifton Heath, St Martin’s, Shropshire. He was the youngest of 11 children born to Thomas and Esther Davies. They lived on Ellesmere Road in St Martin’s where his father worked as a colliery engine driver. His father died shortly after James had been born. His mother, Esther, re married in 1908/09 to Thomas Williams. James lived with them at the Old Shop, St Martin’s where he attended Ifton Heath Council School. He enjoyed sports and was a promising athlete.  He volunteered, enlisting at Oswestry in September 1914, just before his eighteenth birthday. He was posted to 7 Bn King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. Two of his brothers also enlisted but no details have been discovered. It is believed they survived the war.

James went over to France with 7 Bn KSLI on 28 September 1915. He was KIA on 14 July at Bazentin Ridge during the Somme Offensive. His body was not recovered and he is recorded on the Thiepval Memorial. He is also on the war memorials at Holy Trinity Church and at St Martin’s.

KIA Same day and/or action

Corporal 13868 Percy Broster, 7 Bn King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. KIA 14 July 1916. Thiepval Memorial (unknown)

Private 19737 George F (Frederick) Jones, 7 Bn King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. 14 July 1916. Thiepval Memorial (unknown)

Private 19729 Leonard Probert, 7 Bn King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. 17 July 1916, Thiepval Memorial (unknown)

Died at home from wounds received at Bazentin Ridge  Private 15559 Thomas Mills, 7 Bn King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. 6 March 1918. Oswestry General Cemetery

Acknowledgements.

References and Sources

END