Ernest Baden Powell Davies MM

Rank: 
Private
Regimental number: 
270498
Unit at enlistment: 
215th Battalion
Force: 
C.E.F.
Volunteered or conscripted: 
Volunteered
Survived the war: 
No
Date of death: 
September 30th, 1918
Cemetery: 
Cantimpre Canadian Cemetery - Nord, France - A.13.
Awards or decorations: 
Military Medal
Commemorated at: 
Holy Trinity Anglican Church
Birth country: 
Wales
Birth county: 
Gwynedd
Birth city: 
Caernarfon
Address at enlistment: 
25 Webling Street, Brantford, Ontario
Next of kin address: 
25 Webling Street, Brantford, Ontario
Trade or calling: 
Clerk
Religious denominations: 
Church of England
Marital status: 
Single
Age at enlistment: 
18
Gallantry medals: 
Yes

Letters and documents

London Gazette: 31142
Date: January 24, 1919
Honour or Award: Military Medal
Authority: C.O. September 11, 1918
Name: Ernest Baden Powell Davies (270498)
Unit: 54th Battalion

BX October 15, 1918

Ernest Baden Powell Davies Was Decorated with Military Medal

Mrs. Richard Davies, 19 Brighton Row, received a letter from her son, Ernest B.P. Davies, in France since march, he being transferred from the 215th to the 54th Battalion, saying he had been honored by being awarded the Military Medal for gallantry, also promoted to full corporal. In a letter yesterday he states that the commanding officer had presented it to him and to 16 others in front of the brigade, with the ribbon equivalent to the medal, which is to be sent to his home direct. This young soldier is now only 18 years old, having enlisted with the 215th much against his parents’ wishes, but he felt he must go, after seeing so many older men leave with the 125th who should have remained at home.

BX October 17, 1919

Decorations to be Presented by the Prince – Local Officers and men Will be Invested During Visit of Heir to the Throne – Royal Standard

City Clerk Leonard is a very busy man these days. Almost the entire program from the reception of the Prince of Wales is in his hands, and he is busy even to the point of looking after the decorations at the armories. This morning he received a letter from the secretary of Colonel Henderson, congratulating him on the complete arrangements made in this city, which have been approved by Col. Henderson, who is the military secretary to the Prince.

The address from the city to His Royal Highness is now being engrossed by Mr. David Husband. There will be only one address presented, as far as the city is concerned, the I.O.D.E., making a presentation to the Prince at the Bell Memorial.

Veterans Investiture

The following are those who will receive decorations from His Royal Highness:

Military Cross –Lieut. Charles Denton Smith; Lieut. Howard Kenneth Wood; Lieut. Morley F. Verity.

Distinguished Flying Cross – Captain Harold Albert White 

Military Medal – Pte. William Bowden, Pte. Richard George Chinery; Gnr. Vernon Arthur Curtis, Sergt. William John Davey, Corp. Fred Hara McDougald, Pte. Ernest Baden Powell Davies (Deceased), to be presented to Mrs. L. Davies.

The Royal Standard

The Royal Standard of the Prince of Wales has been received by Lieut.-Col. F.A. Howard, commanding the Dufferin Rifles. This flag will be flown from the armories during the Prince’s stay in the city on Monday next. The flag will be unfurled as the prince arrives at 1.30 and will be lowered again on his departure. The flag is 6 x 12 feet, and is the first one to be flown here.

An appeal was made by the civic authorities today for wheel traffic to refrain from using the streets on the route of march, and to refrain from parking on those streets and also that citizens keep to the curb while the procession is passing.

Circumstances of Casualty: Killed in Action.  

Was in charge of a Lewis gun section on September 30th 1918, when his Company advanced from their “jumping off” position across the Douai-Cambrai Road and reached forward as far as the railway outing consolidating their position.  During the afternoon they were subjected to very heavy shelling, during which Lance Corporal Davies was instantly killed.
Location of Unit at Time of Casualty: Attack West of Sancourt.

BC October 16, 1918    

Pte. Ernest Baden Powell Davies was killed in action September 30, according to word received today by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Davies, 19 Brighton Row. Pte. Davies went overseas with the 215th Battalion and won the Military Medal some months ago. He was of Welsh Birth.

BX October 17, 1918

Pte. Ernest B.P. Davies, who was yesterday reported killed in action, was the first man from the 215th Battalion to receive the Military Medal and promotion on the field of battle.

BX October 18, 1918

Officially Reported

In the official list of casualties issued from Ottawa today, E.B. Davies of Brantford and G.T.L. Kenline, Simcoe are reported as having been killed in action. 

BX July 5, 1916

Appeal Was Not Made in Vain – Wife Bidding Farewell to Soldier Husband Gained a Recruit

Recruiting for the 215th Battalion appears to have received an impetuous with the departure of the 125th Battalion. Already this week 13 men have been attested, bringing the strength of the battalion up to 525.

The departure of the 125th Battalion yesterday morning was responsible for the enlistment of one of yesterday’s recruits. At the station with tears streaming from her eyes, a wife was bidding farewell to her husband, a member of the 125th Battalion. Turning around she noticed several young men in “civies” and immediately asked, “Why don’t you young men go?”  Then with a break in her voice she added, “We have not been parted for 30 years, and now he has to go to fight.”

Considerable discomfort was evidenced amongst the civilians, but one clean-cut young fellow threw back his shoulders and said, “I think that advice of yours is good, lady.”  Immediately acting, he went down to the headquarters of the 215th passed Dr. Coates, the medical officer, was sworn in and today is a member of the Lieut.-Col Harry Cockshutt’s Battalion – Private Ernest Baden Powell Davies.