W.+R.+L.+DAVIS

Davis, William Rhys Lancelot, Acting Captain, 10th Battalion, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment Born Hinckley, Leicestershire Killed in action 23rd April 1917 aged 21 Commemorated on the Arras Memorial

1911 Census A school boy Visiting the home of Thomas Ashby Barron, a medical practitioner, of 13, Potter Street, Spondon, Derbyshire

The Times, 1st May 1917, adds the following details: He was the youngest son of A. Lance Davis, of Derby, and he was aged 21 years and 11 days. He was educated at Temple Grove and Bedford Grammar School, and received his commission in November 1914. He had been wounded in February 1916, and rejoined in August the same year. Two brothers were also serving at the time of this report.

William was the youngest son of Arthur Lancelot (1864-1928) and Agnes Ann (née Clarke, 1865-1911) Davis. He had two older brothers, Lancelot Samuel (1890-1939) and Arthur Owen Lancelot (1893-1954), both of whom were also serving at the time of his death. Lancelot was a temporary Second Lieutenant, 21st Battalion (4th Public Schools), Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) in 1915 but by 1918 had transferred to the RAF. He married Phyllis Meakin in 1918 and they had four children but in 1939, Lancelot was found dead in his car, having apparently shot himself.

There were also three sisters: Agnes Maud (b. 1887), Gladys Anne (b. 1889) and Ursula Ruth (b. 1901). The family originated in Hinckley, where the first five children were born, but had moved to Park Road, Spondon by 1901.

Reports of his death said that Arthur owned a hosiery and woollen underwear factory, Messrs Sam Davis and Sons Ltd., in Canal Street, Derby. By the time of his death, he also had factories in Chetwynd Street, Burton upon Trent and Hinckley. These were now managed by Lancelot, with brother Arthur serving in the Indian Army. Arthur was about to leave for his house in Toulon, although he had been ill for some time.


 * Spondon**
 * Back to Memorial**


 * Spondon (St. Werburgh's Church)**
 * Back to Memorial**