TOPIC:

Richard Davies was born in Abercanaid, Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorganshire, Wales in 1880.
He attested to the Somerset Light Infantry at Cetn Coed on 24th April 1899 and given the regimental number 5480. He was 19 years and 11months old at attestation.
He was a collier by trade and had served previously as militia in the South Wales Borderers from whom he was discharged by purchase.
His vital statistics tell us that he was 5'4 3/8" in height, and weighed in at 122lbs. He was of fresh complexion, brown eyed and had brown hair.
By religious denomination he declared to be Church of England.
His only distinguishing mark was a scar across his left shoulder blade.

From attestation on 24th April, he served at home for 292 days before embarking for South Africa to the seat of war on 10th February 1900. He was to remain on duty in South Africa until 1st December 1902 (2years 295 days), when he was shipped out to India, remaining there till 5th May 1903 (1year 155 days). On his return to the UK from India Richard was to enjoy a further 7years and 353 days of home service in the UK, eventually completing 12 years of service with the colours.

In the course of self improvement, he received the 3rd class certificate of education on 26th June 1899, and married Catherine Herman at St. Cadris Church in Abergavenny, Glamorganshire on 31st May 1906.

His next of kin was his younger brother William Davies who was also a Coal Miner and resided as a lodger at the Golden Lion Inn at Dynevor Street, Merthyr Tydfil. William was recorded at this address during the Census of 1891 and was described as a Welsh speaker. So, therefore, it would be safe to assume that Richard was brought up with Welsh as his first language.


Medal Roll WO100/175 for the Somerset confirms entitlement to the Queen's South Africa medal with clasps NATAL/ORANGE FREE STATE and TRANSVAAL. However, his attestation document has "Relief of Ladysmith" and "Cape Colony" entered in red ink.
WO100/323 gives entitlement to the King's South Africa medal with both date clasps (I do not have his KSA, any information on it's whereabouts would be much appreciated).

Also, please note the spelling of Richard's surname as DAVIS on the rim of the QSA. This version is also given on the Medal Rolls. I suggest that DAVIES would be the correct spelling as shown on his attestation details, his brother's name and, indeed, by the signature of his own hand.


Impressed naming to the rim.


Regimental detail to the rim.