Anyone know Sgt George Davis?

[Guest sophie999]

I am trying to find out more about his part in the 1914-1918 war.

George Davis (18721) was a sergeant in the 7th Btn South Staffs Regiment.

He was killed in action on 23/8/1915 at the Sulva Bay landing, but his military records have been destroyed. The regiments own records state that he played a "prominent" part in the fighting, but I have been unable to find out any more details.

I would love to find photos if possible. His daughter (my grandmother) is now 94, and he died when she was just 5, and is desperate for more information.

Please.....can anyone help?? Thank you so much.

Sophie

[Terry_Reeves]

Sophie

For what it is worth, 7th South Staffs produced a regimental history - it might be worth a look.

The Staffs Regimental Museum might have a copy, contact them at:

Whittington Barracks

Lichfield

Staffs

WS14 9PY

Tel: 01543 434308

Terry Reeves

[Chris_Baker]

Hello Sophie

I own a copy of the book that Terry mentioned. It is called "The history of the 7th South Staffordshire Regiment", and it was published in 1919, printed by Boyle, Son & Watchurst.

I've checked through, but I'm afraid that George is not mentioned in it.

[Doug Lewis]

Sophie

I've looked through the history of South Staffordshire Rgt (Vale 1969),sorry there is no mention of George.

Regards Doug

[Guest Pete Wood]

Soldiers Died in the Great War states:

Born and enlisted in Birmingham

Residence in Smethwick, Staffordshire

Killed in Action 23/8/15

Abridged war diary:

7TH (SERVICE) BATTALION

JUNE

Frensham, Surrey. Part of 33rd Brigade, 11th (Northern) Division. Entrained at Farnham for Liverpool (30th) and embarked Empress of Britain.

JULY

Sailed (1st). Arrived Malta (8th), sailed for Alexandra (11th). Arrived (12th) and remained in harbour. Sailed for Lemnos (16th), arriving Mudros (18th). Transhipped to Abassieh and sailed for Cape Helles (20th). Landed and moved to reserve bivouacs. Attached to Royal Naval Division and to reserve trenches – Brown House – Eski Line (23rd). In his history of the Battalion Major A.H. Ashcroft, D.S.O. records that the parapets were to a great extent built from dead bodies. Moved to firing line – The Horseshoe (25th). Relieved (28th) and marched to rest camp.Embarked Osmanieh for Imbros.

August

Embarked Osmanieh and sailed for Imbros (1st). Sailed for Suvla during

night (6th/7th). Landed "B" Beach, moved forward and dug in on reserve

line running from south-west corner of Salt Lake to the sea. Moved forward

during night (7th/8th) to Chocolate Hill. Attack on Ismail Oglu Tepe (9th).

Advanced and soon came under heavy fire from Scimitar Hill. Major

Ashcroft records "Every single officer in "A" and "D" Companies (firing

line )and in "B" Company (supporting line) was either killed or wounded

in the first ten minutes. At about 1800. support arrived from the 10th

Division, but even with this assistance no headway could be made."

Relieved by 5th Royal Irish Fusiliers and withdrew to communication

trench running from Chocolate Hill. Casualties estimated as over 400.

Relieved and to rest area on beach (12th). Moved forward to trenches near

Chocolate Hill (18th). Relieved and to beach bivouacs (20th). Moved

forrward from Lala Baba 3.30 p.m. (21st) in support of attack. Heavy casu?

alties during advance – all officers except 2 hit. Casualties over 300.

Withdrew to reserve trenches at Lala Baba (22nd) and formed composite

talion with 9th Sherwood Foresters (24th).

[Guest sophie999]

Thanks everyone!

Much appreciated. Sophie