David John Davies

Officers Cook 1^st Class David John Davies – Royal Navy, H.M.S. Vivid

Officers Cook 1^st Class David John Davies, who served with the Royal Navy at the shore establishment H.M.S. Vivid, died on 26^th March 1919. He was buried with honour at Danygraig Cemetery.

Early Life

David was the youngest child of George Henry Davies and Mary Jane Mainwaring, who had married in 1862 at Bedwellty, Monmouthshire.

1891 Census

By the time of the 1891 Census, the family were living at 119 Hill Street, Bedwellty. George, then aged 24, was employed as a steam engine fitter, while Mary, 35, kept the household. Their children at that time were George H. (4), Annie J. (3), and baby David J. (9 months), who had been born in Rhymney, Monmouthshire. Also living with them was William Davies, a 63-year-old boarder employed as a stationary engine driver.

1901 Census

The family later moved to Swansea, and by the 1901 Census were living at 14 Farm Lane. George, now 38, worked as a general labourer at the docks, while Mary, 42, continued to care for the family. Their children at home were George (14), David (12), Evelyn (8), and Robert (5). Also present were George and Mary’s elder son William Mainwaring (23), a stone quarryman, his wife Annie (23), and their young daughter Gwennie (5).

1911 Census

The family were still living at 14 Farm Lane at the time of the 1911 Census. George, now 45, was employed as a weighing machine fitter, while Mary was 54. David, aged 20, was working as a baker, alongside his younger siblings Evelyn (18) and Robert (15), who was employed as a stone quarryman. Their niece, Hannah Jane Mainwaring (15), was also living with them at this time.

Marriage and Naval Service

In 1913, David married Mary Jane Davies. Three years later, in 1916, he enlisted in the Royal Navy, where he served as an Officers Cook 1st Class. He was attached to H.M.S. Vivid, the Navy’s shore establishment at Devonport, which served as a training base and administrative center during the war.

Death and Burial

David John Davies
Danygraig Cemetery
credit - findagrave

David died from disease in March 1919, just months after the war had ended. His last recorded address was 146 Rodney Street, Swansea. Following his death, he was laid to rest at Danygraig Cemetery, where his grave stands among many others who gave their service during the First World War.

Legacy

Though not lost in battle, David’s death reminds us of the many servicemen who succumbed to illness and disease, both at sea and on shore, during and immediately after the war. His story is part of Swansea’s larger sacrifice, and his name endures at Danygraig Cemetery among his fellow servicemen.