Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Pilot Officer

Awarded on:

January 1st, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Squadron Leader

Awarded on:

October 20th, 1944

"In May, 1944, this officer was in the vicinity when an aircraft, shortly after taking off on an operational flight, crashed and burst into flames. Sqn Ldr Davies immediately drove to the scene and observed the rear gunner collapse in an attempt to get out of the aircraft. Heedless of the danger from the ammunition which was exploding, and also being aware that the aircraft carried bombs, he climbed on to the wing to extricate the rear gunner whose head and shoulders were hanging over the side of the cockpit. He had to free the latter's harness which had become entangled in some part of the aircraft, but he finally managed to lift him out of the cockpit and drag him clear of the burning wreckage. Sqn Ldr Davies then attempted to lift the body of the pilot out of the blazing front cockpit but was unsuccessful in doing this owing to the smoke and flames. He could see that the pilot had been killed in the crash. After warning all personnel of an imminent explosion he, with assistance from another airman, carried the gunner to the sick quarters. Less than two minutes after he had left the scene; two 500 lb. bombs exploded completely destroying the aircraft. The timely and courageous action of Sqn Ldr Davies had saved the life of the rear gunner."