Personal info
- Name: Joseph John DAVIES
- D.O.B: 28th April, 1889
- D.O.A: 20th July, 1916
- D.O.D: 16th February, 1976
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Corporal, 10th Battalion The Royal Welsh Fusiliers, 76th Brigade, 3rd Division
Delville Wood, France 16-27 July 1916
16-27July 1916
The First World War. 1916
As the Battle of the Somme progressed, on 14 July 1916 the British captured most of Longueval, a village north-east of Montauban and about six miles south of Bapaume. They were however threatened by the Germans in Delville Wood which bordered Longueval to the east. On 15 July the 1st South African Infantry Brigade was sent in to clear it. After five days, out of 1,500 men there were only 142 survivors. On the 16th, Private W F Faulds, assisted by Privates George Baker and Alexander Estment, rescued Lieutenant Arthur Craig. Faulds rescued another wounded man two days later. On 20 July the South Africans were relieved by men of the 76th Brigade. 10th Battalion The Royal Welsh Fusiliers had also taken part in the attack and corporal J D Davies and Private A Hill had distinguished themselves. Ferocious fighting at Delville Wood in which ground constantly changed hands was to rage until 3 September.
Citation
For most conspicuous bravery. Prior to an attack on the enemy in a wood he became separated with eight men from the rest of his company. When the enemy delivered their second counter attack his party was completely surrounded, but he got them into a shell-hole, and, by throwing bombs and opening rapid fire, succeeded in routing them. Not content with this he followed them up in their retreat and bayonetted several of them. Corporal Davies set a magnificent example of pluck and determination. He has done other very gallant work, and was badly wounded in the second Battle of Ypres.
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