Parks, leisure and the arts Brave men who fought at Manchester Hill

Billy Davies

Billy Davies and his wife Elsie Atherton

Billy Davies was born on 22 Jul 1896 in Leigh, Lancashire to James Davies and Jane nee Pemberton.  His birth year was recorded as 1897 on the admission documents to Langensalza POW camp. 

Billy left full-time education at 11 years old and went to school part time till he was 14 years of age. His father James had a cab and funeral service business and he had three brothers and one sister.

A brief history

  •  24 June 1916, enlisted and followed by training camp (probably at Altcar)
  •  Dec 1916, sent to France 16th Manchester Regiment. Regimental number 25225
  •  21 March 1918 , taken prisoner at the Battle of Manchester Hill. He suffered injuries to his chest and right leg (recorded on German admission POW records). He was sent to Langensalza camp.  His left eye was removed by German doctors 
  • 28 June 1918, a report in Leigh Journal that Private William Davies was reported missing since 21 March was alive and in a prisoner of war camp 
  • 30 June 1918, Billy's mother Jane died.  His mother and aunt knew he was alive, but didn't see him again
  • 30 Aug 1918, thanks to the International Red Cross, Billy was transferred to an internment camp at Chateau D’oex in Switzerland
  • 26 Feb 1919, discharged unfit with Silver War Badge. Aged 22
  • 4 June 1919, married Elsie Atherton at Leigh Parish Church

Provided by Gill Hamilton, granddaughter

Read about the battle of Manchester Hill

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