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Auction: 22001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 385

Three: Squadron Leader H. G. E. Davis, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who served with Dvina Wing in North Russia 1919 and died on active service during the Second World War in an air crash at Nairobi on 10 November 1940

British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. H. G. Davis. R.A.F.); War Medal 1939-45, the first two mounted as worn, contact marks, polished, edge bruising, nearly very fine (3)

Harry George Ernest Davis was born on 8 May 1900 the son of Mr H. G. Davis, a former headmaster of Millbrook School. Educated at Old Taunton School he enlisted with the Royal Air Force in February 1918 and was sent to join the North Russia Expedition on 13 May 1918. Posted to Dvina Wing on 1 June 1919 he served her until 25 August 1919 when he was admitted to 53 General Hospital, continuing to serve in Russia afterwards he returned to Britain on 25 September 1919 and transferred to the unemployed list on 8 October 1919. Returning to education Davis attended Magdalene College, Cambridge University and studied Natural Sciences graduating on 24 June 1922. Employed as a Teacher in Grammar Schools at Poole and Dartford he continued to see service with the reserves holding the rank of Lieutenant in the 5th Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, where he was also adjutant.

Later promoted Captain, Davis was to re-join the R.A.F. on the outbreak of war with the rank of Squadron Leader. During a transcontinental flight from South Africa to Egypt the Super Electra he was aboard landed at Nairobi on 10 November 1940 as part of a sheduled stop. Attempting to take off again in high winds and rain, the conditions caused the aircraft to pull to its left and stall immediately after. It entered a spin and crashed quickly catching fire, all aboard were killed including Davis who is buried at Nairobi (Forest Road) Cemetery; sold together with copied research including Commonwealth War Graves details, service records and M.I.C. as well as newspaper extracts and territorial army lists.

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Sold for
£450

Starting price
£90