Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 30697, VICTORIA CROSS,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/3/605. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- No 20765 Corporal John Thomas Davies, South Lancashire Regiment (St Helens). For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire. On 24 March 1918 near Eppeville, France, when his company – outflanked on both sides – received orders to withdraw, Corporal Davies knew that the only line of withdrawal lay through a deep stream lined with a belt of barbed wire, and that it was imperative to hold up the enemy as long as possible. He mounted the parapet, fully exposing himself, in order to get a more effective field of fire, and kept his Lewis gun in action to the last, causing the enemy many casualties and checking their advance. By his very great devotion to duty he enabled part of his company to get across the river, which they would otherwise have been unable to do, thus undoubtedly saving the lives of many of his comrades. When last seen this gallant Non-commissioned Officer was still firing his gun, with the enemy close on the top of him, and was in all probability killed at his gun.
Fold3_Team · 31/10/2023
Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 30697, VICTORIA CROSS,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/3/605. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- No 20765 Corporal John Thomas Davies, South Lancashire Regiment (St Helens). For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire. On 24 March 1918 near Eppeville, France, when his company – outflanked on both sides – received orders to withdraw, Corporal Davies knew that the only line of withdrawal lay through a deep stream lined with a belt of barbed wire, and that it was imperative to hold up the enemy as long as possible. He mounted the parapet, fully exposing himself, in order to get a more effective field of fire, and kept his Lewis gun in action to the last, causing the enemy many casualties and checking their advance. By his very great devotion to duty he enabled part of his company to get across the river, which they would otherwise have been unable to do, thus undoubtedly saving the lives of many of his comrades. When last seen this gallant Non-commissioned Officer was still firing his gun, with the enemy close on the top of him, and was in all probability killed at his gun.