WALTER DAVIES – PRIVATE 24863
Walter was born around 1898 in Nether Alderley at Gatley Green Farm, son of Thomas and Margaret. By 1911 the family were living in Patricroft, Eccles, his father was again listed as a farm bailiff.
(His Grandparents lived at Chorley Hall).
He enlisted into the 18th Battalion, Manchester Regiment, in Wilmslow and was drafted to France on 23rd December 1915
His unit was engaged on the Ypres Salient where he was killed in action on the 14th December 1917
His serving officer wrote:
“He was one of the best soldiers I have ever seen, smart, brave, devoted to his duty and a favourite amongst his comrades, both officers and men.
In his last fight his conduct was marked by the cool fearlessness for which he was well known and his example fired his comrades. Our one consolation is that he went to his God without suffering any pain from his wounds. He was killed outright”.
Medals:
1914/15 Star
British War Medal
Victory Medal
Walter Davies has no known resting place and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, West Vlaanderen, Belgium