Cyril Charles Davies

 Corporal Cyril Charles Davies – Home Guard, Second World War

During the Second World War, the Home Guard served as Britain’s unpaid citizen militia. Formed in 1940, it quickly grew to over 1.5 million volunteers. Many were men who were too young, too old, or employed in reserved occupations that prevented them from joining the regular army.

Initially, the Home Guard was tasked with monitoring for signs of enemy landings—whether airborne or seaborne—and reporting them to the Home Forces. If an invasion came, their role was to delay, harass, and obstruct the enemy until the regular army could regroup. They guarded key transport routes, factories, and supply depots that might have been targeted by German paratroopers.

By 1942, the Home Guard’s duties had expanded to include manning coastal artillery, anti-aircraft guns, and rocket batteries—freeing regular soldiers for frontline service. Although it stood down in late 1944, the Home Guard was not formally disbanded until December 1945, eight months after Germany’s surrender.

In Swansea, there were three main battalions of the Glamorgan Home Guard—the 12^th (Swansea), 14^th (Swansea), and 15^th (Gower). In addition, there was also a specialist unit: the 18^th Glamorganshire (Post Office) Battalion, whose members worked for the General Post Office and were responsible for defending communications infrastructure.

It was with this battalion that Corporal Cyril Charles Davies served.

Early Life

Cyril Charles Davies was born in 1897, the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Davies.

1901 Census

At the time of the 1901 Census, the family lived at 16 Graig Terrace, Swansea. Thomas, then 44, worked as an engine fitter, while Elizabeth, 35, looked after the family. Cyril was four years old. His older sisters were Eveline Ann (12), Gladys Millicent (7), and Olive May (7). A younger brother, Brinley Howell, was nine months old.

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, the family had moved to 4 Dynevor Place. Thomas, now 54, was still employed as an engine fitter. Eveline, 22, worked as a clerk; Gladys, 19, was a student; and Olive, 17, was a draper’s assistant. Cyril, now 14, had started work as a telegraph messenger. His younger siblings were Brinley, 10, and Gwyneth Eileen, aged 4.

1939 Register

By the time of the 1939 Register, Cyril was married to Hettie, and the couple were living at 12 Lon Iorwg.

Service and Death

Cyril joined the 18^th Glamorganshire (Post Office) Battalion, Home Guard, and rose to the rank of Corporal. The battalion’s primary role was to protect the GPO’s communications systems, vital to Britain’s war effort.

Cyril Charles Davies
St. Paul's Church, Sketty
credit - findagrave

South Wales Daily Post

On 12^th September 1942, while on duty, Cyril collapsed and died suddenly, aged 45.

The South Wales Daily Post reported his passing and funeral:

“The funeral of Corporal Cyril Charles Davies, of the Home Guard, took place at St. Paul’s, Sketty, on Wednesday. Corporal Davies, who was on duty when he collapsed and died, was aged 45 and resided at 12 Lon Iorwg. He was well known and highly respected in the district. Members of the Home Guard were present at the service, paying tribute to their comrade.”

Reflection

Cyril Charles Davies’ story reminds us that service in wartime took many forms. Though he did not serve overseas, his role in the Home Guard was vital to protecting Swansea’s lifelines of communication. His sudden death in 1942 shows that the sacrifices of the war extended beyond the battlefield, touching the lives of families and communities at home. His grave at St. Paul’s ensures his contribution and his memory are not forgotten.