Thomas Llewellyn Davies MC – Royal Air Force

Major Thomas Llewellyn Davies MC – Royal Air Force

Birth and Family Background

Thomas Llewellyn Davies was born in 1893 in Swansea. He was the son of William Davies, a native of Carmarthenshire, and Margaret Lewis of Cardiganshire. His parents were married in 1891 at Lampeter, Cardiganshire.

Early Life

1901 Census

At the time of the 1901 Census, the Davies family were residing at 84 Upper Aberdy Certhin Street, St John’s, Swansea. William Davies (38) was employed as a grocer and provision merchant, while Margaret (37) undertook household duties. Their children present were Thomas L. (8), John A. T. (6), and James B. (3 months).

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, the family had moved to 87 Llangyfelach Road, Brynfhyfyd, Swansea. William Davies (48) continued to work as a grocer, and Margaret (47) remained at home. Their children present were Thomas Llewellyn (18), a student teacher; John Arthur (16), an invoice clerk; James Brinley (11); and William Hayden (7), both attending school. Also living in the household was William’s sister, Margaret Davies (35).

Education

Thomas Llewellyn Davies was a former student of Bangor University, and his name is commemorated on the Bangor University War Memorial, which records members of the university community who lost their lives during the First World War.

Military Service and Gallantry

Thomas Llewellyn Davies initially served with the Royal Horse Artillery and later the Royal Field Artillery, attaining the rank of Major. He was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.

The citation records that he reorganised a battery which had lost practically all its officers, non-commissioned officers, and gunners, circumstances indicative of devastating losses under intense enemy fire. Assuming command in extreme conditions, he restored order, reassigned surviving personnel, and re-established effective gun detachments.

Two days later, he commanded the battery in an attack, during which he personally laid the guns under fire—a task normally undertaken by specialist gunners. Owing largely to his personal example, leadership, and technical competence, the battery was able to advance, take up its position, and come into action, providing vital artillery support at a critical stage of operations.

Royal Air Force Service and Fatal Accident

Later in the war, Major Thomas Llewellyn Davies MC transferred to the Royal Air Force. On 16^th September 1918, he was killed in a flying accident while serving with the Artillery & Infantry Co-operation School at Worthy Down Camp.

R.E.8 aircraft D4746

He was flying as an observer in R.E.8 aircraft D4746, piloted by Captain William Ernest Dawson (24). During a steep dive, the aircraft’s wings failed, after which it spun out of control and caught fire, crashing at Worthy Down. Both Major Thomas Llewellyn Davies (25) and Captain Dawson were killed.

Burial and Commemoration

Thomas Llewellyn Davies MC
Cwmgelly Cemetery
credit - CWGC.org

Following his death, Major Thomas Llewellyn Davies’s body was returned to Swansea, where he was buried at Cwmgelli Cemetery. He is remembered locally, academically at Bangor University, and through his Military Cross, reflecting a life marked by exceptional courage, leadership, and service during the First World War