Francis James Davies
| Francis James Davies | |
|---|---|
| Born |
20 October 1889 Alcester, England |
| Died | 7 March 1941 (aged 51) Bath, Somerset, England |
| Buried | St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Studley, Warwickshire |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1917–1919 1940–1941 |
| Rank | Flight Lieutenant |
| Unit | No. 29 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars |
World War I World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
Flight Lieutenant Francis James Davies DFC (20 October 1889 – 7 March 1941) was a British World War I flying ace credited with twelve aerial victories. He would briefly return to service during World War II.
He was born the youngest son of John Davies of Hunt End, Redditch, but spent his youth living at Studley, and was educated at the Roman Catholic School there.
Davies joined the Royal Flying Corps in May 1917. He had trained as a pilot by August 1917, being confirmed in his rank of temporary second lieutenant and appointed a flying officer on the 31st. By March 1918, he was assigned to 29 Squadron, which was the last British squadron operating French Nieuports. On the 18th, Davies used a Nieuport to drive down a German Pfalz D.III fighter out of control. By 19 May, he was seated in a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a, which he used to destroy an Albatros D.V. On the 26th, he teamed with fellow aces Charles G. Ross and Reginald H. Rusby to destroy a DFW reconnaissance two-seater. He was promoted to temporary captain on 9 June 1918. Davies would score regularly with his SE.5a until 11 August 1918. On that day, for his final victory, he destroyed an observation balloon at Courtrai.
The following day, he flew his last mission of the war, being wounded in action and crash-landing. He fainted as a result of his wound, and fell 100 feet. The accident removed him from combat. His tally of victories was a balloon busted, two enemy planes set on fire, five other planes destroyed, and four planes sent down out of control.
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