Herbert Davis

Herbert Davis (Service No 792) was born in Bulli, NSW about 1890. At the time of enlistment he was a single 24 year old draper from Marrickville who had served 6 years in the Cadets. He embarked on HMAT A19 Afric with G Company, 1st Battalion on 18th October 1914 with the rank of Corporal. After arriving in Egypt in early December he underwent training and sailed for Gallipoli, landing on the 25th April. Sometime between 25th and 30th April 1915, Herbert was wounded in action and was evacuated to Egypt on 30th April, for treatment of a bomb wound to his buttocks.

He was promoted to Sergeant on 18th May and again promoted to Warrant Officer 1 on 3rd August 1915. Herbert returned to Gallipoli on 27th September 1915 and remained there until the evacuation. On 2nd February 1916 he transferred to 53rd Battalion and then to the Australian Army Service Corps on 11th March 1916.

After his service at Gallipoli Herbert remained in Egypt and served in the Middle East with the ANZAC Mounted Division. On 27th January 1917 he was admitted to hospital with appendicitis. After returning to his unit he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant, on 1st August 1917 and then on 31st December 1917 promoted to Lieutenant.

Herbert had hospital admissions while in Egypt and on 20th December 1918 a medical board diagnosed him with malignant malaria and he was returned to Australia in early 1919. Herbert married Bessie Appleton as soon as he arrived home. They had been sweethearts before he went off to war.

Herbert was admitted to hospital at Katoomba for treatment for his malaria but on 22nd June 1919 he died from this war related illness.