John Thomas Davies

He kept firing his gun so his comrades could cross to safety

John Thomas Davies, known as Jack, grew up in the Birkenhead and St Helens area. He attended Arthur Street School and worked in local industry before joining the South Lancashire Regiment in September 1914. Serving with the St Helens Pals, he reached France in November 1915. He was twice wounded on the Somme and subsequently served in the Ypres Salient.

On 24 March 1918, near Eppeville, German attacks threatened to cut off his company. The route of withdrawal crossed a deep stream obstructed by wire. To give the men time to get across, Davies climbed onto the parapet where he could fire his Lewis gun more effectively. Fully exposed to the enemy, he continued firing until other soldiers had escaped.

He was reported killed and his Victoria Cross was announced on that basis. In fact, he had been captured. News from a German prisoner-of-war camp eventually showed his family that he was alive. Repatriated after the armistice, he received his VC from King George V in April 1919.

Davies returned to St Helens and worked for United Glass Bottle Manufacturers for the rest of his life. He married Beatrice Travers in 1920 and continued serving in the Territorial Army for several years. During the Second World War he became a captain in the local Home Guard. He died at St Helens on 28 October 1955 and was buried in the borough cemetery.

Victoria Cross citation (excerpt)

“he enabled part of his company to get across the river”

London Gazette, 22 May 1918.