John Idan Davies, Bedfordshire Regiment

Initially joined the South Wales Borderers (3/25394) also possibly Shropshire Light Infantry (32983). Enlisted in Wrexham.The Battalion was based at Bedford when war broke out and were moved to Felixstowe to provide home defence around Harwich as well as drafts for the front line Battalions. After the initial losses at the Batttle of Somme more front line units were badly needed and the 4th Battalion were mobilised and sent to the Western Front. They landed in France on the 25th July 1916 and joined the 190th Brigade of the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division, where they would remain until the Armistice.

From the War Diary the Battalion moved on 4 September 1918 to the front line at a position south of Inchy-en-Artois near Cagnicourt. Until they were relieved on 8 September they suffered 4 men killed and 29 wounded. The War Diary does not record a death on the 5 September. However, it does record 2 men wounded. It is possible that Private Davies died of his wounds received earlier.

He was the son of David and Ellen Davies, of 6 Greenfield Terrace, Kingsland, Holyhead. Born at Holyhead. In 1901 lived with his parents and elder brother at 6 Old Station, Holyhead. Father was from Bethesda and was employed as a Plasterer. In 1911 the family lived at 6 Greenfied Terrace and comprised father, David (52), Mother, Ellen (51), older brother, David (22) a Cattle Loader, John Idan Davies (14), a Bookstall Assistant and younger brother William Roland Davies (9). His mother originated from Brynsiencyn, Anglesey.

Awarded the Victory Medal and British War Medal.

Buried in the Quent Road Cemetery, Buissy, France. Grave location VII.D.7.

Photograph from British War Graves http://www.britishwargraves.co.uk/