William John Ross Davies was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on January 24, 1918. His father, James William, was a native of Saltsprings, Pictou County, the son of Duncan Cameron and Mary M. (MacLeod) Davies. His mother, Eva Muriel Williams, was born in the United States.
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| Flight Sergeant William John Ross Davies |
The Davies family placed great importance on education. All three of Duncan and Mary Davies’ sons pursued post-secondary studies. John Angus Davies (1887-1964), the oldest, completed Grade XI studies at Pictou Academy. He enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program at Dalhousie University in 1911 and went on to graduate with a degree in medicine.
On January 24, 1917, John Angus enlisted with the Canadian Army Medical Corps at Halifax, NS. Awarded the commissioned rank of Lieutenant, he departed for overseas in late March 1917. Shortly after arriving in the United Kingdom (UK), John Angus was posted to the Canadian Forestry Corps Base Depot, Sunningdale, where he served as a Medical Officer.
In January 1918, John Angus was promoted to the rank of Temporary Captain. Like many personnel stationed in the UK, he was eager to serve on the continent. In early September 1918, he proceeded to France and was posted to No. 8 Stationary Hospital (University of Saskatchewan), which was operating near Camiers at the time.
John Angus served on the continent for six months. Shortly after returning to the UK in mid-April 1919, he was hospitalized for treatment of kidney stones. He departed for Canada in June 1919 and briefly served at Camp Hill Hospital, Halifax, prior to his August 31, 1919 discharge. At that time, he gave his proposed residence as the Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, QC.
John Angus later relocated to Windsor, Ontario. When his father Duncan fell ill with neuropathy, John Angus took him into his home, where Duncan spent his final months, passing away there on December 16, 1931. Duncan’s youngest son, Edward Ross, accompanied his remains to Salt Springs, where he was buried beside his wife Mary, who had predeceased him. At some point after his father’s death, John Angus moved to Hong Kong, where he passed away on April 14, 1964.
Edward Ross Davies (1893-1960) graduated from Pictou Academy in May 1914 and also enrolled at Dalhousie University. On October 5, 1916, he set aside his studies to enlist with the Canadian Signal Corps at Halifax, NS. Edward departed for overseas in the spring of 1917 and proceeded to France for service with the 3rd Canadian Divisional Signal Company in mid-July 1917. He served on the continent without incident for the remainder of the war and returned to Canada in March 1919.
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| Sapper Edward Ross Davies |
Edward resumed his studies at Dalhousie University and graduated with a medical degree in 1924. He then returned to the Salt Springs area, where he planned to establish a medical practice. On an unknown date, Edward married Irene Jeanette MacLeod, daughter of John A. and Anne (MacDonald) MacLeod, Salt Springs. Before the end of the decade, the couple relocated to Londonderry, Colchester County, where Edward established a family practice.
On February 12, 1931, Edward crossed the American border at Niagara Falls, New York, destined for Indianola, Mississippi, where he completed a Public Health training course at Rockefeller Institute. He then obtained a public health position in West Virginia, where his wife Irene Jeanette joined him. The couple’s only child, Edward Ross Jr., was born there in 1934.
By 1940, the family was living in Ellicott City, Maryland, where Edward Sr. worked for the Howard County Health Office. Edward Jr. graduated with honours from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in June 1952 and received a three-year Westinghouse scholarship to Johns Hopkins University, where he planned to study electrical engineering. Edward Ross Davies Sr. died at Baltimore in 1974. His remains were transported to Nova Scotia, where he was buried in Gladstone Cemetery, Four Mile Brook, Pictou County.
James William “Bill” Davies also attended Pictou Academy, completing his third year of studies—equivalent to Grade XI—in 1909 - 1910. His whereabouts for the following two academic years are unknown. However, Bill was accepted into the University of Maryland School of Dentistry for his third and final year of dental studies on September 27, 1912. Admission required successful completion of two previous years of study at a recognized dental school. Unfortunately, available documents do not provide a school name or location.
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| Dr. James William "Bill" Davies' Graduation Portrait |
Bill graduated from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry at the end of the 1912 - 13 academic year and remained in Baltimore for several years. During his time there, he met Eva Muriel Williams. The couple married on April 5, 1915, and William John Ross—the couple’s only child—was born at Baltimore on January 24, 1918.
At some point after William Jr.’s birth, the family returned to Canada. An undated next of kin “change of address” entry in Captain John Angus Davies’ service file requests that military authorities “also notify J. W. Davies DSS, 362 Laurier Ave., W. Ottawa [Ontario],” in the event of an emergency. Based on available census documents, the family’s stay in Ottawa appears to have been brief.
At the time of the 1921 Canadian census, which took place on June 1, the Davies family was living at Clark’s Harbour, Cape Sable Island, NS, where Bill had opened a dentistry practice. Based on information in William Jr.’s service file, the family moved around the province several times over the ensuing two decades. William Jr. first attended Westville Common School in 1924 and moved on to Le Marchant St. School, Halifax, in 1926. By 1930, the family was residing in the Strait of Canso area, where William Jr. attended Mulgrave Common and High Schools. He finished his secondary education at Halifax County Academy, graduating in 1935.
After completing a Banking course at Shaw Business College, Halifax, William Jr. secured a ledger keeper position with the Royal Bank of Canada, Halifax. In 1939, he was transferred to the bank’s Guysborough branch. Before year’s end, he relocated to its Shubenacadie office, where he worked as a teller and accountant.
On May 24, 1941, William Jr. applied for admission to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). By that time, his father and mother had established residence in Sherbrooke, Guysborough County, where Bill provided dental services to the local community. Two weeks later, William Jr. completed a preliminary interview, and was judged “suitable for pilot” and commissioned rank with the RCAF.
William Jr. formally attested with the RCAF at Halifax on June 12, 1941. After a two-week leave, he reported to No. 1 Military District, Toronto, ON. Upon completing basic training, he proceeded to No. 31 Radio School, Clinton, ON, on August 4. Established earlier that year to address a shortage of trained radar technicians, the facility was the only one of its kind in North America and a closely guarded secret.
After completing the radio school’s program, William Jr. was transferred to No. 3 Initial Training School (ITS), Sherbrooke, QC, on September 13 for the first stage of pilot training. Instructors were impressed by his “serious, dependable, responsible [and] capable” demeanour. A mid-October medical examination described William Jr. as an “alert, quick lad, definite in opinions.”
Promoted to the rank of Leading Aircraftman on October 19, William Jr. remained at No. 1 ITS until November 7. He then proceeded to No. 17 Elementary Flight Training School, Stanley, NS. Located approximately 15 kilometres east of Windsor, the small facility had opened in March 1941 and was equipped with Fleet Finch and De Havilland Tiger Moth aircraft.
Over a two-week period, William logged approximately six hours of flying time aboard a Finch II aircraft. While instructors commented that he was “progressing favourably,” on November 22 William informed his superiors that “he did not like flying and asked [for his pilot training] to be discontinued.” A “training cessation report” in his service file states:
“This airman says he does not like being in control of aircraft but denies being nervous in the air. He is definite in his opinion that he would like to remain in aircrew. He does not appear emotionally unstable.”
William Jr. requested “that he be recommended [for service as] an Observer.” His supervisors agreed that he “has [the] ability, intelligence, and initiative required.” William Jr. was granted two weeks’ special leave while RCAF authorities decided his future.
On December 8, 1941, William Jr. was assigned to the Composite Training School, Trenton, ON, where he “re-mustered” as an Air Observer. Before month’s end, he commenced training at No. 7 Air Observer School (AOS), Portage La Prairie, MB. Over a period of three months, he logged almost 78 hours flying time as a navigator and nine hours’ flying time as a bomb aimer.
In late March 1942, William Jr. proceeded to No. 3 Bomber & Gunnery School, MacDonald, MB, where he spent more than 30 hours aboard a Fairey Battle aircraft. He achieved an overall grade of 71.1 % in his course work and earned an “average” rating in both bomber and gunner skills. A comment on his evaluation form described him as a “good average type.”
On May 9, 1942, William Jr. received his Air Observer’s Badge and was promoted to the rank of Temporary Sergeant. That same day, he was transferred to No. 1 Air Navigation School, Rivers, MB, for the final phase of his Canadian training. Over the ensuing four weeks, he logged 31 hours of flying time aboard an Anson aircraft. Instructors described him as a “studious” individual with a “serious[,] quiet nature” who “needs more experience” before commencing active service.
On June 9, William Jr. received the standard two-week pre-embarkation leave. In late June, he reported to No. 1 Y Depot, Halifax, and was transferred to the Royal Air Force Trainees Pool in mid-July. Shortly afterward, he proceeded overseas, where he re-mustered as “Navigator B.” On July 29, William Jr. reported to No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre, Bournemouth, where he waited for a posting to a training unit for the final phase of his combat preparation.
On August 7, 1942, William Jr. was assigned to No. 10 (Observers) Advanced Flying Unit, Dumfries, Scotland, for a three-week program or instruction. On September 1, he was assigned to No. 22 Operational Training Unit (OTU), Mountford Airfield, Wellesbourne, Warwick, England. OTUs provided personnel with the first opportunity to train on the aircraft in which they would conduct active missions. Flight crews were also assembled at this stage, providing members with an opportunity to form cohesive units.
During the next two months, William logged over 40 hours of daytime flying and 53 hours of night-time flying as a wireless operator/air gunner. While an evaluation sheet rated his performance as “average,” his instructor noticed “great improvement toward end of course.” On November 9, William Jr. was promoted to the rank of Temporary Flight Sergeant and awaited assignment to an active air unit.
On November 20, William Jr.was posted to 428 (RCAF) Squadron. Formally established only two weeks previously, 428 was a night bomber squadron that operated Vickers Wellington aircraft. Initially assigned to No. 6 Group Royal Air Force (RAF), the unit was re-assigned to No. 6 Group RCAF on January 1, 1943.
Prior to that time, RCAF squadrons had been attached to RAF groups. The newly created No. 6 Group consisted entirely of RCAF units and operated as a distinct Canadian unit under RAF command. No. 6 Group initially consisted of eight squadrons, later expanding to 14, all of which flew heavy bombers.
As the group’s formation required some personnel readjustments, William was transferred to 426 (RCAF) Squadron on January 3, 1943. Formed at Dishforth, Thirsk, England, in mid-October 1942, 426 Squadron officially became operational one week after William’s arrival. The unit’s Vickers Wellington bombers carried out their first bombing raid from its base at Uxbridge, England, on the night of January 14/15, dropping a mixture of high explosive and incendiary bombs on a German U-boat base at Lorient, France.
More than a month passed before William Jr. flew his first mission. On the night of February 19, he was part of a six-man crew that departed at 5:53 pm aboard a Wellington III bomber for a raid on the German port of Wilhelmshaven, Germany. One of the 11 participating aircraft failed to return. The following day, William’s crew participated in a mine-laying operation, described as “gardening” in air force parlance. The squadron’s Operations Records Book commented on the mission:
“[E]ight crews were selected, most of which had very little operational experience. They took off at 17.30 hours [and] cross[ed] the North Sea without incident and laid mines in enemy waters off the Frisian Islands. All a/c [aircraft] returned to base and reported good visibility in the gardening area.”
On the night of February 28, William’s crew logged its second bombing raid, an attack on the U-boat base at St. Nazaire, France. One of the nine participating aircraft was forced to return to base when its rear gun turret became inoperative. The remaining planes executed the mission and returned safely, although fuel shortages forced three bombers to land at other airfields.
After two days’ rest, William Jr. and his mates participated in a March 3 bombing raid on Hamburg, Germany. A total of 12 aircraft took part in the mission. While three were forced to return to base for various reasons, the remaining planes completed the attack amidst heavy anti-aircraft fire and safely returned to base. As the unit had suffered considerable losses in recent missions, its log stated that the successful return of all crews “gave [a] tremendous boost to Squadron morale.”
The following day, the Squadron “was given a stand-down from operations,” allowing personnel to cary out “routine training and maintenance.” On March 5, 1943, No. 6 Group “requested 12 A/C [aircraft[ for the night’s bombing operations on Essen [Germany].” The planes departed at dusk, in the company of a dozen aircraft from 425 Squadron. “Port engine trouble” forced one of 426’s planes to return to base, but the remaining bombers continued across the Netherlands toward the night’s target.
William Jr.’s crew was among the 426 personnel selected for the mission. As the aircraft dropped a mixture of incendiary and high explosive bombs on the city, “a great many searchlights and a lot of heavy flak were encountered.” The resulting explosions produced fires so large that “the glow… could be seen from the Dutch coast more than 130 miles away.”
By night’s end, 22 aircraft had safely returned to the squadrons’ airfields. Wellington III BK 401, Pilot Officer Clarence Randolph Trask, Meadow Lake, SK, at the controls, failed to return to 426’s Dishforth base. On board the aircraft were navigator Pilot Officer Chelmsford Edward Chapman, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve; air gunner/bomber Sgt. William John Ross Davies, Sherbrooke, NS; wireless operator/air gunner Sgt. Norman Fraser Paterson, City View, ON; air gunner Sgt. Robert Earl Williams, Cynthiana, Kentucky; and wireless operator/air gunner Sgt. George Walen, Saskatoon SK.
In a letter dated March 10, 1943, Wing Commander S. Crooks, 426 Squadron, informed Eva that her son was officially listed as “missing” following the March 5 air raid:
“He was flying with his regular crew who were all good men and who had operated together several times previously. They took off at 5:10 pm and set course for the target. Nothing further has been heard from any members of the crew…. The loss of your son was sustained with regret by the Squadron as a whole and especially by his many friends here. He was very popular with his fellow Sergeants and with his own crew. He was a fine chap and an excellent Air Bomber and we all had complete confidence in his ability. I can say personally that he set a fine example to all ranks in every way and his loss is being felt very keenly.”
As official policy dictated, six months later, a telegram dated October 11, 1943, informed Dr. and Mrs. J. William Davies that their son was, for official purposes, “presumed dead 5 March 1943… after air operations (overseas).” In late February 1944, military authorities dispatched a Memorial Bar to Eva. Eight months later, a letter to William Sr., dated October 18, 1944, informed him of his son’s posthumous promotion to the rank of Flight Sergeant “with effect” from November 9, 1942.
After the conclusion of hostilities, Royal Air Force teams were dispatched to the continent, in the hope of locating hundreds of missing airmen. While the graves of many were located in cemeteries across Europe, there was no trace of Wellington III BK 401. A letter to Dr. Davies, dated April 4, 1952, informed him of an investigative team’s disappointing results:
“Their efforts to locate your son’s grave have been unsuccessful. Under the circumstances, therefore, it must be regretfully accepted and officially reported that he does not have a ‘known’ grave and will be commemorated on a memorial to be erected at Runnymede, England.”
Flight Sergeant William John Ross Davies’ name and those of his crew mates are inscribed on the Runnymede Air Forces Memorial, Englefield Green, near Egham, Surrey, England. The monument contains the names of more than 20,000 men and women from British and Commonwealth air forces who lost their lives during air operations over Europe and have no known graves.
