Rank:

Second-Lieutenant

Unit:

2nd Battalion, Royal Ulster Rifles

Awarded on:

August 10th, 1921

Citation:
"For bold and skilful leadership on the 7th October 1920, during the advance on the Nahr Shah Canal. During repeated Arab attacks this officer led his men fearlessly against greatly superior numbers. His courage, initiative and resource have been most marked throughout the campaign, more especially on this occasion, when he frustrated all attempts of the enemy to break through."

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

2nd Battalion, Royal Ulster Rifles

Awarded on:

May 6th, 1938

Palestine

Second MC awarded as a Bar.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Brigadier

Unit:

Balkans & Middle East Section, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government

Awarded on:

November 15th, 1945

Citation:
"This officer volunteered to be parachuted as Head of a small British Mission to ALBANIA. He was dropped in the Field on 15th October, 1943. The task of the Mission was to organise Albanian Resistance to the enemy forces of occupation, particulary by attempting to unite the opposing Albanian factions of Communists and Nationalists.
ALBANIA was less organised, offered less scope and promised less result for Resistance activities than any other area in EUROPE. In spite of great difficulties, and though in constant danger of betrayal, the Mission achieved initial progress in making contact with opposition groups both of Left and Right. Largely as a result of the Mission's efforts considerable enemy forces were retained in ALBANIA; but for the threat of guerilla activities these might well have been freed for operations against the Allies in another area.
On 11th December, 1944, Brigadier DAVIES personally led a Partisan Brigade in an attempt to force a river crossing and break through the strong German cordon threatening the extinction of the Allied Military Mission Headquarters and the main force of Partisans in the area. On meeting heavy opposition, a complete rout and panic in the Partisan forces was only prevented by the bravery and example shown by the Brigadier, who rallied his forces under fire and after inflicting high casualties on the enemy successfully moved a large force of Partisans across the river and disengaged the remainder.
On 18th December, Brigadier DAVIES in daylight personally penetrated the enemy lines to make a recce of enemy positions encircling the Mission Headquarters, and as a result was able to lead them safely through the enemy lines by night.
On 8th January, 1944 after three wees of many personally led actions and during which period extreme cold and starvation were endured, the survivors of the Mission Headquarters were again attacked from all four sides by some 1,000 German and collaboration troops. Brigadier Davies personally led his small force of three British officers, two British O.R.'s and twelve Partisans against the enemy in the face of heavy machine gun and rifle fire. By his complete disregard for his personal safety and superb leadership he set such an example to his exhausted, starving and frostbitten officers and men that after an advance under continuous fire lasting one hour up a complete exposed mountain-side in thick snow, the enemy were forced to give ground. Towards the end of this action Brigadier DAVIES was severely wounded.
In spite of great pain as he lay in the snow and although still under heavy fire, he continued to shout encouragement and advice to his men to continue their advance, and only when he saw that the way had been cleared for their successful escape did he allow himslef to be removed from the line of fire and placed under cover.
By his sction Brigadier DAVIES enabled two British officers and one British O.R. to escape and saved the Allied Mission from total extinction. But for his quick decisions and personal example, no one would have lived to continue the excellent work he had started.
In recognition of his inspring leadership, his gallantry under fire and his very valuable contribution to the strategie and political planning in that area, it is recommended that this officer be appointed a Companion in the Distinguished Service Order."
Signed: Colin Gubbins, Major-General. 15.9.45.