Royal Air Force
Charles William John Davis was born at Rochford, near Southend-on-Sea, Essex in the third quarter of 1889.
He was the eldest child of Charles William and Sophia Adeline Davis recorded living at 42 Baxter Avenue, Southend-on-Sea. The couple had five children. Charles (senior) was a signal lamp manufacturer who died in 1915 and his widow later re-married and became Mrs Dodridge.
The National Archives File AIR 76/126 indicates that he was a member of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC)/ Royal Air Force from September 1917, and at Rendcomb (near Cirencester) from 13 April 1918. There were other movements between 10 September 1917 and 9 February 1918 but it has not been possible to identify locations. No Medal Index Card has been discovered to indicate what unit (if any) Davis served in prior to joining the RFC.
He died as a result of an aero accident on 13 October 1918, age 19. The Cheltenham Chronicle of 19 October 1918 reported the inquest held at Cirencester Police Station. On the day of his death Davis had taken a flight with his flying instructor and then took off for his first solo flight. At a low altitude the aircraft made a flat turn, stalled and nosedived to earth, where it caught fire on impact. Cadet Davis died a few minutes after being extricated from the wreckage.
A verdict of accidental death was recorded.
He was buried in Cirencester Cemetery, where a CWGC headstone marks his grave.
Researched by Graham Adams 27 April 2014