Roll of Honour
Private Vivian David Davies
Service Number: 21/444
Regiment: Durham Light Infantry (18th)
Conflict: World War One
Date of Death: 28th March 1918
Age at Death: 29
Burial/Memorial Location: Douchy-les-Ayette British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France
Son of Evan & Sylvia Davies, of Oxford House, later 14 Buckingham Road, Bicester.
"Mrs Davies, of Oxford House, Bicester, has received information that her third son, Pte. Vivian D. Davies, of the Durham Light Infantry, has been killed in action in France. The news is unofficial, though undoubtedly true, as it is verified by his commanding officer and others.
The C.O., in his letter to Mrs Davies, says he was killed on March 28th in the defence of a ridge which the battalion were holding. He says he was a good man and had been recommended for appointment as N.C.O.
A captain in his battalion says: “Our battalion had been in the recent heavy fighting and we were resting in close support when a shell fell among a party of men and caused a number of casualties, including your son. I might add that he was killed outright and could not have suffered any pain. On behalf of the officers and men of my company I should like to tender my sincere condolence in your sad bereavement. Your son was highly respected, a brave comrade, and personally I miss him very much.” Mrs Davies also received a touching letter from the Chaplain of the Battalion.
Private Davies was 29 years of age, and had been in the army about 2½ years." Bicester Advertiser 19/04/1918