1914-15 Star (119485 Pnr. W. Davis, R.E.)

No. 119485 Pioneer William Davis, Royal Engineers, entered theatre of war 'France' on, 25 September 1915, and subsequently transferred to the Royal Flying Corps and later as No. 143014 to the Royal Air Force

Medal(s) verification: Prior to the Great War, William Davis had prior served with the Hampshire Regiment on active service in Burma Pioneer William Davis is confirmed as being awarded the 1914-15 Star together with British War Medal (silver issue) and Interallied Victory Medal per below cited medal rolls:

- India General Service Medal 1854 with clasp 'Burma 1885-7 & Burma 1887-9: WO 100/70 & WO 10073
- 1914-15 Star: WO 329/2927. Shows first disembarked France with Royal Engineers 25.9.15
- British War Medal. Silver issue: WO 329/2135. Shown discharged unfit 8.1.19
- Interallied Victory Medal: WO 329/2135. Shown discharged unfit 8.1.19

The recipients Army service papers are extant and accessible at The National Archives

William Davis, son of William Davis, was a native of Northwood, West Cowes, Isle of Wight, Hampshire, England, where he was born on 14 July 1862. By trade a 'Labourer', William first enlisted in the British Army at Southampton, England, on, 1 March 1883, on which date he was posted to his local infantry regiment, the Hampshire Regiment, at Winchester, his regimental number being No. 766. After completion of his basic training William served overseas in India and Burma between 18 September 1883 to 1 January 1892 (8 years 106 days n the East Indies). William served 12 years, and took his discharge on 29 February 1895. During the Great War, William volunteered, for military service, and lied about his age, claiming to be only 46 years of age, and having been prior employed as a 'Fireman'. He enlisted at London on 14 September 1915, and was n that date posted to the Royal Engineers. He subsequently served overseas in France with the British Expeditionary Force, between, 24 September 1915 (he disembarked in France on 25/09/15) and 3 September 1917. Shortly after returning to the United Kingdom, William Davis was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps on, 2 February 1918, and later re-mustered with the Royal Air Force on, 1 April 1918

Condition: GVF

Code: 24275