James Llewellyn Davies facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Llewellyn Davies
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| Born | 16 March 1886 Ogmore Vale, Glamorganshire, Wales |
| Died | 31 July 1917 (aged 31) Polygon Wood, Pilckem Ridge, Passchendaele salient, Belgium |
| Buried |
Canada Farm Cemetery, Elverdinghe
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit | Royal Welsh Fusiliers |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
James Llewellyn Davies was a very brave soldier from Wales. He lived from 1886 to 1917. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest and most important award for bravery given to soldiers in the British and Commonwealth forces. It is given for amazing courage when facing the enemy.
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Who Was James Llewellyn Davies?
James Llewellyn Davies was born in March 1886. His parents were John and Martha Davies. They lived in a place called Ogmore Vale in Glamorgan, Wales. Later, James married Elizabeth Ann Richards. She was from a town called Nantymoel.
His Role in the War
James Davies became a corporal in the army. He was part of the 13th Battalion of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. This group was also part of the 38th (Welsh) Division. They fought during the First World War.
An Incredible Act of Bravery
On July 31, 1917, Corporal Davies showed amazing courage. This happened during a battle in Belgium, near Polygon Wood and Pilckem Ridge. His actions that day earned him the Victoria Cross. Sadly, he was badly wounded during this attack and later died.
For most conspicuous bravery during an attack on the enemy's line, this non-commissioned officer pushed through our own barrage and single-handed attacked a machine gun emplacement, after several men had been killed in attempting to take it. He bayoneted one of the machine gun crew and brought in another man, together with the captured gun. Cpl. Davies, although wounded, then led a bombing party to the assault of a defended house, and killed a sniper who was harassing his platoon. This gallant non-commissioned officer has since died of wounds received during the attack.
Here's what he did:
- He bravely moved forward even though there was heavy gunfire from his own side (called a barrage).
- He attacked an enemy machine gun by himself. Other soldiers had tried but were killed.
- He used his bayonet (a knife attached to a rifle) to fight one of the machine gun crew.
- He captured the machine gun and brought another enemy soldier back.
- Even though he was hurt, he then led a group of soldiers with bombs to attack a house where the enemy was hiding.
- He found and stopped an enemy sniper who was causing trouble for his team.
The Victoria Cross Award
On October 20, 1917, the King presented Corporal Davies' Victoria Cross. The King gave the medal to James's wife and his oldest son. Today, you can see his Victoria Cross on display. It is at the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum inside Caernarfon Castle in Wales.
Where He Is Buried
Corporal James Llewellyn Davies was buried in Canada Farm Cemetery. This cemetery is located near Ypres in Belgium. His grave is in Plot II, B.18.
