Cecil Davis, Welsh Regiment, 5th Battalion

Captain Cecil Davis, Welsh Regiment, 5^th Battalion

Birth and Family Background

Cecil Davis was born in 1896 in Westminster, City of Westminster, London. He was the son of Frederick Lewis Davis and Helen Brydie Smith, who had married in 1889 at Ystradyfodwg, Glamorganshire.

Despite extensive searches, no census entries have yet been found that record Cecil living with his family. This absence may reflect family mobility or his early schooling elsewhere.

Military Service

Cecil served as a Captain in the 5^th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, a unit that formed part of the Territorial Force and was deployed to the Middle East as part of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force during the First World War.

By March 1917, the 5^th Battalion was heavily engaged in operations north of Gaza as British and Empire forces advanced into Ottoman-held Palestine. Around 27^th March 1917, the battalion took part in the movements and combat associated with the First Battle of Gaza. During this time, the battalion faced intense Turkish rifle and machine-gun fire, severe heat and water shortages, and long marches over exposed desert terrain. Fighting was often confused, with communications breaking down, units becoming scattered in dust and smoke, and casualties mounting—particularly among officers leading from the front. Many losses occurred as companies attempted to consolidate captured positions or withdraw under enemy pressure as darkness fell.

Cecil Davis
Jerusalem Memorial
credit - findagrave

Captain Cecil Davis was killed in action on 27^th March 1917, almost certainly during these demanding and chaotic operations.

Commemoration

As he has no known grave, Captain Cecil Davis is commemorated on the Jerusalem Memorial, which honours Commonwealth soldiers who fell in Palestine and whose final resting place is unknown.