Thomas Llewellyn Davies – Royal Air Force (attached Royal Field Artillery), Military Cross

 Major Thomas Llewellyn Davies – Royal Air Force (attached Royal Field Artillery), Military Cross

Thomas Llewellyn Davies was born in 1893 in Swansea, the son of William Davies and Margaret Williams. His childhood unfolded in the commercial districts of Aberdyberthi Street and later Brynhyfryd, where the Davies family ran a small grocery business and raised their children within the industrious rhythm of early‑20th‑century Swansea.

Family Life

1901 Census

The 1901 Census records the Davies household at 84 Upper Aberdyberthi Street, Swansea, where William Davies, aged 38 and born in Carmarthenshire, worked as a Grocer and Provision Merchant on his own account. His wife Margaret, aged 37 and born in Cardiganshire, managed the home. Their children present were Thomas L., 8; John A. T., 6; and James B., 3 months. The census depicts a young family supported by a small but established local business.

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, the family had moved to 87 Llangyfelach Road, Brynhyfryd, Swansea. William, now 48, continued his work as a Grocer, and Margaret, aged 47, remained at home. Their children present were Thomas Llewellyn, 18, employed as a Student Teacher; John Arthur, 16, an Invoice Clerk; James Brinley, 11; and William Haydn, 7, both still attending school. Also living with the family was Margaret Davies, 35, William’s sister. The census reflects a household rooted in education, clerical work, and small‑scale commerce.

Thomas Llewellyn Davies
Cwmgelli Cemetery, Swansea
credit - findagrave

Military Service

At the time of his death, Thomas Llewellyn Davies held the rank of Major in the newly formed Royal Air Force, having been attached to the Royal Field Artillery. His service was distinguished by the award of the Military Cross, recognising acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy. His career bridged the transition from traditional artillery service to the emerging air arm of Britain’s military forces, reflecting the rapid evolution of warfare during the First World War.

Death and Burial

Major Davies died on 16 September 1918 at Winchester, a centre for military administration and training during the war. His body was brought home to Swansea and laid to rest at Cwmgelli Cemetery, where he is commemorated among the city’s wartime burials.