John Fryer Davies was born on 23rd June 1895 to Harry Davies Sr. and Mary Alice Atkin. He was brought up at Boundary Street in Lostock Gralam, near Northwich.
He is recorded as being an Iron Hamper Maker in the 1911 Census, and was enlisted into the Cheshire Regiment at the start of WW2 in 1914. His attestation record is below.
John married Rose Boyer in 1923. He worked as a rigger and lived until the age of 87, dying in 1982. His army career was somewhat ‘colourful’ during 1914-1918
with one or two misdemeanours recorded on his files. It also states than John had a gunshot wound and suffered gas poisoning.
John Fryer Davies: Army Short Service Attestation Record. Page One
| Regimental No: | 13187 |
|---|---|
| Name: | |
| Corps: | Cheshire Regiment |
| What is your name? | John Fryer Davies |
| Where were you born? (Parish or Town) | Lostock Gralam, Northwich, Cheshire. |
| Are you a British Subject? | Yes |
| What is your trade or calling? | Labourer |
| What is your age | 19 years 2 months |
| Have you resided out of your father's house for three years continuously, in the same place or occupied a house or land of the yearly value of £10 for one year, and paid rates for the same, and in either case if so state where? | No |
| You are hereby warned that if after enlistment it is found that you have given a wilfully false answer to any of the following seven questions, you will be liable to a punishment of two years imprisonment with hard labour. | |
| Are you, or have you been, an apprentice? If so, where? to whom? for what period? and when did or will the period of your apprenticeship expire? | No |
| Are you Married? | No |
| Have you ever been sentenced to imprisonment by the civil power? | No |
| Do you now belong to the Royal Navy, the Army, Royal Marines, the Militia, the Special Reserve, The Territorial Force, the Army Reserve, the Militia Reserve, or any Naval Reserve Force? If so to what unit and corps? | No |
| Have you ever served in, the Royal Navy, the Army, Royal Marines, the Militia, the Special Reserve, The Territorial Force, the Army Reserve, the Militia Reserve, or any Naval Reserve Force? If so to what unit and cause of discharge. | No |
| Have you truly stated the whole, if any, of your previous Service? | Yes |
| Have you ever been rejected as unfit for the Military or Naval Forces of the Crown? If so on what grounds? | No |
| Are you willing to be vaccinated or re-vaccinated? | Yes |
| Are you willing to be enlisted for general service? | Yes |
| Did you receive a notice, and do you understand it's meaning, and who gave it to you? | Yes General Cox, Cheshire |
| Are you willing to serve upon the following conditions provided His Majesty should so long require your services? | Yes |
| (b) To be attached to any arm of the service should such be required of you. | Yes |
| Declaration: I do solemnly declare that the above answers made by me to the above questions are true, and that I am willing to fulfil the engagement made. Signed: Recruit | John Fryer Davies |
| Signed: Witness | Signed |
| Oath: I swear by Almighty God, that I will be faithful and bear true Allegiance to his Majesty King George the fifth, His Heirs and Successors, and that I will as in duty bound honestly and faithfully defend His Majesty, His Heirs and Successors, in person, Crown and Dignity against all enemies and will observe and obey all orders of His Majesty, His Heirs, and Successors, and of the Generals and Officers set over me. So help me God. | Signed John Fryer Davies |
| Certificate of Magistrate or Attesting Officer: The Recruit above named was cautioned by me that if he made any false answer to any of the above questions he would be liable to be punished as provided in the Army Act. The above questions were read to the recruit in my presence. I have taken care that he understands each question, and that his answer to each question has been duly entered as replied to, and the said recruit has made and signed the declaration and taken the oath before me at: (State place & date) | 31st August 1914 |
| Signature of Justice | John ? |
Short Service.
(One year with the Colours)
John Fryer Davies Army Short Service Attestation: Page 2.
| Description of: | Name:John Fryer Davies | Apparent Age: 19 years 2 Months |
|---|---|---|
| Height : | Feet:5 | Inches:6 |
| Weight: | Pounds:135 | Girth: (Expanded)34 Range:2 |
| Complexion: | Dark | |
| Eye Colour: | Brown | |
| Hair Colour: | Black | |
| Religious Denomination: | C of E | |
| I have examined the above-named recruit and find that he does not present any of the causes of rejection specified in the Regulations for the Army Medical Service. He can see at the required distance with with either eye : his heart and lungs are healthy : he has the free use of his joints and limbs, and he declares that he is not subject to fits of any description. I consider him fit for the Army | Signed: | Date:31st August 1914 |
| I hereby certify that the above named recruit was inspected by me and I consider him fit for service. | Signed: | Date:4th September 1914 |
| I certify that this attestation of the above-named recruit is correct and properly filled up, and that the required forms appear to have been complied with. I accordingly approve and appoint him to the (regiment) | ||
| If enlisted by special authority, Army Form B. 208 (or other authority for the enlistment) will be attached to the original attestation. | Signed: | Date:4th September 1914 |