Newbridge War Memorial

Remembering the Fallen

John Emlyn Davies

Royal Navy

Ship HMS Renown
Rank Telegraphist
Service Number J/42615
Theatre of War first served in
Date of entry therein
Age at Death 18
Date of Death 25/05/1918
Burial/Memorial Reference Abercarn Cemetery
CWGC Family Details Son of John and Annie Davies, of 99, King's Rd., Canton, Cardiff. Born at Newbridge, Mon.
SDGW – Where Born Newbridge, Mon
Enlisted
Resided Newbridge, Mon
How Died Died from disease
Theatre of War Home
Medal Entitlement British War Medal
Victory Medal
Notes Commemorated on the Celynen Collieries Roll of Honour
Commemorated on the Tabernacle Baptist Church Roll of Honour
Commemorated on the Risca War Memorial
Commemorated on the Risca (Pontywaun County Secondary) Memorial

John Emlyn Davies' Story

HMS Renown

Family

John Emlyn Davies was one of ten children born to John and Annie Davies, unfortunately two had died by the time of the 1911 Census which showed the family living at 34 North Road Newbridge.

John and Annie Davies’ surviving children were shown as Margaret Ann Davies (23), Joseph Ernest (21), David John (20),Winifred Rose Martha (16), William Ewart (12), John Emlyn (11) & Cyril Walter (7). In addition to the family they also had a lodger, Arthur Mansfield, living with them.

Military

  • Joined the Royal Navy 7/8/15 as Boy II (HMS Victory I)
  • Moved to HMS Impregnable (Training Establishment, Devonport) 29/10/15 - 14/4/16
  • Moved to HMS Ganges (Training Establishment, Shotley Gate, opposite Harwich) 15/4/16 - 29/8/16
  • Appointed Boy Telegrapher whilst at HMS Ganges on 28/4/16
  • Moved to HMS Victory I 30/8/16 - 11/9/16
  • Posted to HMS Renown* 12/9/16 as Boy Telegrapher (this rank was a Boy 1st Class so he went to sea before his 18th birthday), appointed Ordinary Telegrapher 6/6/17, appointed Telegrapher 6/11/17

* HMS Renown was a heavily armed but very fast battlecruiser which commenced Acceptance Trials with the Royal Navy in September 1916. John Emlyn Davies was posted to HMS Renown on 12th September 1916 as a Boy Telegrapher and so was part of the original crew.