18.9.1916 BAILLEULVAL: CAPT R SAXBY took over Command of the Battalion during the absence of LIEUT COLONEL G.D. GOODMAN C.M.G. on short leave.

Captain Reginald Saxby

18.9.1916: 2/Lt WB DAVIES died in Hospital.

War Diary [WO/95/2694]

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Septr 18: Opening address by Commandant. Lecture on discipline by Major Fuller GSO2.

[Lieutenant Josiah Taylor]

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18th: Enemy fired a few Trench Mortars bombs into into our left sector. A very wet day.

139 Infantry Brigade: Headquarters War Diary [WO95/2692]

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William Bryan Davies

2/Lt William Bryan Davies died in Hospital on 17th September; he had only joined the Battalion two months earlier on the 18th August. Although there is no mention in the War Diary or Battalion History as to why he was in Hospital, the 1/6th Officer’s Role sadly states “suicide”.

William was 35 years old and the son of Thomas and Mary Davies of Welshpool in Montgomeryshire. He is now buried in AVESNES-LE-COMTE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, which was near the VI Corps Headquarters and the site of several Casualty Clearing Stations. There is no medal index card for William, suggesting that his medals were not claimed by his grieving parents.

William was Idwal Davies' older brother.