The South Staffordshire Regiment

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Lieutenant Eric John Davies, the South Staffordshire Regiment, was awarded the Military Cross.

This officer’s glider crashed into the sea off Sicily on the night of July 9th, 1943. Although the glider was several miles from the coast, Lieutenant Davies kept his party together and paddled the glider towards the shore until an Italian motor launch came out and took them aboard as prisoners.

Lieutenant Davies was taken to Capua, from which prison camp he made two attempts to escape, one of which involved digging a tunnel 40 feet long with bare hands.

He was then moved back to another camp. On September 8th, 1943, the Italian surrendered, and the camp was to be taken over by the Germans. Lieutenant Davies and several other officers decided to make a dash for it, and Lieutenant Davies was elected the leader. The break-out was successful in spite of German opposition, and, after a dangerous journey right through the German lines, he reached the Allies on the evening of October 18th. His perilous journey took him several weeks.

Lieutenant Davies brought back valuable information of other British and American prisoners of war.

This officer showed courage, initiative and resource of the highest order.

Lieutenant Davies was born in Arklow.

http://www.pegasusarchive.org/arnhem/eric_davies.htm

http://www.unithistories.com/officers/1AirbDiv_officersD.htm

27.09.1941 commissioned, The South Staffordshire Regiment [emergency commission]
(07.1943) Officer Commanding, 21 Platoon (D Company), 2nd Battalion The South Staffordshire Regiment (Sicily)
02.05.1944 transferred, Parachute Regiment - Army Air Corp
(09.1944) Officer Commanding, 10 Platoon (T Company), 1st Parachute Battalion (Arnhem [wounded, POW])

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7644370&queryType=1&resultcount =3

Name Davies, Eric John
Rank: Lieutenant
Service No: 207782
Regiment: 2 Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment
Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy
Award: Military Cross
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 13 January 1944
Date 1943-1944
Catalogue reference WO 373/4

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7694526&queryType=1&resultcount =3

Name Davies, Eric John
Rank: Lieutenant
Service No: 207782
Regiment: 1 Battalion Parachute Regiment
Theatre of Combat or Operation: Royal Marines
Award: Mention in Despatches
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 19 March 1946
Date 1946
Catalogue reference WO 373/101

London Gazette:
7 October 1941
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35303/supplements/5851

21 November 1944
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36808/supplements/5379

War Subs. Lt. E. J. Davies (207782) from S. Stafford R. to be War Subs. Lt., 2nd May 1944, retaining his present seniority.

12 February 1946
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37467/supplements/956

1 March 1946
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37488/supplements/1228

ARMY AIR CORPS. P.R.
The notifn. regarding War Subs. Lt. E. J. DAVIES
(207782) in Gazette (Supplement) dated I5th Feb.
1946, as cancelled.

16 April 1946
Gazette Website: PDF Navigator

Army Air Corps Para R., Lt E J DAVIES, M C (207782)

30 November 1948
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/38470/supplements/6298

ARMY AIR CORPS, P.R.
War Subs. Lt. E. J. DAVIES, M.C. (207782) relinquishes his commn., 4th Dec. 1948, and is granted the hon. rank of Capt

See this thread for ref:
http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/research-material/19413-volunteers-eire-who-have-won-distinctions.html#post195852