Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

"C" Troop, 1st Airlanding Anti-Tank Battery, British Army

Awarded on:

March 20th, 1947

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

"Sergeant Davis was commander of a gun detachment of 1st Airlanding Anti-Tank Battery, R.A. On 23rd September 1944, West of Arnhem, his gun position, covering a Divisional ammunition dump was attacked by enemy tanks supported by intense mortar fire. A mortar bomb hit part of the ammunition and a fire was started which threatened to cover the entire dump. Sergeant Davis, displaying complete disregard for his own safety, ran across to the burning dump and began to throw aside the ammunition. Most of the boxes were already alight.

Working in the flames, and amidst heavy mortar fire, Sergeant Davis' spontaneous act of extreme gallantry was an example and inspiration to all who saw it, and he prevented by his action the dump being a conspicuous target for further enemy fire."

Royal Decree no. 29, dd. 31-7-1945