TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

Davis, Carl Raymond

Date of birth:
July 30th, 1911 (Krugersdorp/Transvaal, South Africa)
Date of death:
September 6th, 1940 (Turnbridge Wells/Kent, Great Britain)
Buried on:
Commonwealth War Graves St Mary Churchyard
Service number:
90131
Nationality:
British

Biography

Carl Davis was born in South Africa out of American parents. He was educated in England at Sherborne School, and Trinity College, Cambridge (Bachelor of Arts) and at McGill University, Montreal (Bachelor of Arts qualifying as a mining engineer). He became a British citizen in 1932. Obtaining his mining degree, he then took flying lessions in New Jersey while living with his sister.
Returning to the UK in 1935, he then lived in London and joined 601 Squadron, Auxiliary Air Force at Hendon, being commissioned in August 1936
Davis was called to full-time service on 27 August 1939 and, on 27 November 1939, flew one of the six 601 Squadron Blenheims that attacked the German seaplane base at Borkum. On 11 July 1940, he shot down a Messerschmitt Bf 110, and he added two more Bf 110s on 11 August 1940 and three more Bf 110s on the 13th.
Davis downed five more aircraft before being killed in action when his Hawker Hurricane I was shot down in combat with a Messerschmitt Bf 109 over Tunbridge Wells at 09:30hrs. Davis crashed, inverted, with his aircraft burned out in the back garden of Canterbury Cottage at Matfield, Brenchley, near Tunbridge Wells.

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Flying Officer
Awarded on:
August 20th, 1940
Citation:
"Flying officer Davis has been engaged on operational flying since 3rd September, 1939. He has taken part in nearly all patrols and interceptions carried out by his squadron. He has been a section leader for the last two months, and on several occasions has led his flight. Flying Officer Davis has personally destroyed six enemy aircraft, and severely damaged several others. He has shown great keenness and courage."
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Sources

Photo