DAVIES, Walter Leslie
Primary tabs
Known as:
Les
Rank:
Lance Corporal (later Sergeant)
Unit / Base:
2 Commando
Prior Police Service:
Lancashire Constabulary
Regiment/Corps:
Lancashire Fusiliers
Service:
Army
Service Number:
14241658
Born:
Sunday, April 22, 1917
Birthplace:
Preston, Lancashire
Died :
Thursday, March 17, 1983
Place died or last resided:
Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
Age:
65
Medals: 1939/45 Star; Italy Star; War Medal; Defence Medal.
Walter Leslie Davies served in the 5th King's Own Royal Regiment, T.A. from May 1934 to May 1938. By 1939 he had joined the Police and was at Stanley Grange Police Training School, Preston. Constable Davies, collar number 1705, aged 25 and married to Winifred, volunteered for the Commandos in 1942. Served in No.2 Commando 5 Troop and later No.2 Commando HQ until November 1944. He then joined the Corps of Military Police and was posted to 68 Special Investigation Branch until discharged in 1946 with rank of Sergeant.
Active service included Sicily, Adriatic Isles, Italy, and Greece. Suffered from bouts of Malaria and Sandfly during his service. Re-joined the Police after the war. Recipient of the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
Testimonial on discharge from C.M.P.
Conduct: Exemplary. An excellent type, honest, clean, of sober habits, thoroughly reliable and trustworthy. Has an abundance of self confidence and initiative. Has carried all duties allotted to him efficiently and well. I thoroughly recommend this N.C.O.
Commando timeline
23.07.1942 enlisted General Service Corps and taken on strength Commando Depot, Achnacarry (2nd Police Intake).
14.09.1942 transferred General Service Corps to Lancashire Fusiliers.
24.09.1942 posted No.2 Commando. Served in 5 Troop and later No.2 Commando HQ.
14.09.1942 transferred General Service Corps to Lancashire Fusiliers.
24.09.1942 posted No.2 Commando. Served in 5 Troop and later No.2 Commando HQ.
13.04.1943 embarked with No.2 Commando for overseas service.
18.06.1944 appointed Lance Corporal.
22.11.1944 reverts rank (own request) and transfers to the Corps of Military Police.
Sources
Copy of Army Service record provided by his ganddaughter Karen Garth.
The 1939 Register covering Preston.
Notebook of LSgt. Joe Rogers MM of 5 Troop.
WW2 Medal Cards Index.
Tony Moore, FRHistS and Police Historian.
[Images and Service Record] His granddaughter Karen Garth.
Photo of Commando in Gallery:
Yes
Additional content:
Archive pages :
Ask Questions / Add Information / Add Photos
Use the Archive Forum for research enquiries [register now].
Read some frequently asked questions here [FAQ's].
Read some frequently asked questions here [FAQ's].
Contact the Archive to add information or photos via the [contact form].
All content is researched and administered by the Commando Veterans Archive.
