Harry Davis

Story:
Harry Davis was born in 1880 in Motcombe, Shaftesbury. He was the son of Frederick Davis, an agricultural labourer, and Emily Davis (née Jenkins). His siblings included Charles, (b.1888) who also died in the war. Brothers Frank (b.1882) served in the Coldstream Guards, Edward Frederick (b. 1898) with the Inniskilling Fusiliers and William Robert (b.1886) served with the Dorsetshire Regiment. Before the war the family lived at a number of addresses in the area: Long Cross, Church Hill, Enmore Green, Nr Cherry Orchard Farm and in 1911 Foul Hill.

On 12th August 1898 Harry enlisted as a Private in the 39th & 54th Foot Battalions of the Dorsetshire Regiment (Service No. 3838 changed later to 5766). He was posted to India on 22nd December 1900 and received the Good Conduct badge on 3rd December 1907. On 29th October 1910 he was discharged from the army and by the 1911 Census was back in Shaftesbury working as a labourer and living with his parents. On 6th January 1914 Harry again enlisted, this time with the Territorial (4th) Battalion of the Dorsetshire Regiment (Service No. 2060). When the First World War broke out in August 1914 Harry was mobilized at once and sailed with the 1/4th Battalion for India. He was later posted to Mesopotamia, landing at Basra on 23rd February 1916. By the time of his death he held the rank of Sergeant. On 11th September 1916 he died of wounds received in action. He was buried at Basra War Cemetery, Iraq (grave id. VI.F.22), the same cemetery as his brother Charles. He was awarded the Victory and British War medals and is remembered on the Park Walk War Memorial, and on the Holy Trinity Memorial, now in St. Peter's Church, Shaftesbury. His name was also included on the memorial in St. James' churchyard and on the roll of honour inside the church.