Robert Davies (GC)

Lieutenant Robert Davies (October 3 1900 – September 27 1975) distinguished himself during the Second World War with the Royal Engineers and was awarded the George Cross (GC) for the heroism he displayed in defusing a bomb which threatened to destroy St Paul's Cathedral on September 12 1940. [ [http://www.gc-database.co.uk/recipients/DaviesR.htm George Cross database] . Retrieved 19 November 2007.] .

Davies was born in Newlyn, Cornwall, the son of John Sampson Davies of St Erth and Annie Vingoe. The bomb he defused was lodged 30 feet deep in Deans Yard, took several days to dig out, and was finally transported to, and detonated on, Hackney Marshes.

The citation from a supplement to the London Gazette of September 27 1940 (dated September 30 1940) reads:LondonGazette|issue=34956|supp=yes|startpage=5767|endpage=5768|date=September 27 1940|accessdate=2008-01-28]

quote|CENTRAL CHANCERY OF THE ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD.

"St. James's Palace, S.W.1, 30th September, 1940."

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the GEORGE CROSS to the undermentioned:—

[...]

Temporary Lieutenant Robert Davies, Royal Engineers.Lieutenant Davies was the officer in charge of the party detailed to recover the bomb which fell in the vicinity of St. Paul's Cathedral.

So conscious was this officer of the imminent danger to the Cathedral that regardless of personal risk he spared neither himself nor his men in their efforts to locate the bomb. After unremitting effort, during which all ranks knew that an explosion might occur at any moment, the bomb was successfully extricated.

In order to shield his men from further danger, Lieutenant Davies himself drove the vehicle in which the bomb was removed and personally carried out its disposal.

Sapper George Cameron Wylie was also awarded the GC for his part in the same action.

Sergeant James Wilson and Lance-Corporal Herbert Leigh were awarded the British Empire Medal (for meritorious serivce) (BEM) for their part in the action. [LondonGazette|issue=34956|supp=yes|startpage=5769|date=September 27 1940|accessdate=2008-10-08]

Davies had emigrated to Canada and joined the Canadian Army in 1918. He returned to Cornwall in the 1930's and in 1940 joined the Royal Engineers in which unit he served with bomb-disposal during the Blitz. The Times of the 1 October 1970 reported that his medal had been sold for a then record £2,100. It is now on display at the Imperial War Museum.

References

ee also

George Cameron Wylie