DAVIES, THOMAS ARTHUR HARKNESS,
Captain, was born in Calcutta, 29 November 1857, third son of Major General
Horatio Nelson Davies, Bengal Staff Corps, and Helena Adelaide, daughter of
John Anderson, HEIC, of Straquhan, Dumfries. He was educated at
Wellington; joined the Devonshire Regiment 11 September 1876; served in the
Afghan War (Medal), and was Adjutant, 2nd Battalion from 1889 to 1892. He
was SSO Madras Command, from 1892-1894; served in the Wuntho Expedition,
Burma, 1892; commanded the NE Column in the Kachen Hills, Burma, in 1892;
received the Medal and clasp, and was created a Companion of the
Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 31 January 1893]: "In
recognition of services during the recent operations in Burma and the Chin
Hills. Thomas Arthur Harkness Davies, Captain, Devonshire Regiment".
The Decoration was sent out to the Commander-in-Chief in India, and was
presented in Burma 31 May 1893. He commanded the Sima Column in the Kachin
Hills, Burma, in 1893; served in the Tirah Expedition, 1897 (Medal and two
clasps); in South Africa, 1899-1902, including operations on the Tugela
Heights, the Relief of Ladysmith and Belfast (Despatches, Brevet of
Lieutenant Colonel, Medals and five clasps). He became Colonel 23 February
1907; was created a CB in 1909; retired
14 December 1910;
served in the European War from 1914, commanded 9th Devon Regiment
(Kitchener's Army) from September 1914 to September 1915. The following is
part of the Despatch of General Sir H Stewart, KCB, Commanding Burma
Division on operations of Columns in Burma, 1902-3: "All the officers
commanding columns have acted with energy and spirit, and I particularly
wish to bring to notice the services of Captain Davies and Major Yule; the
former officer, although a comparatively young officer, has commanded his
column with judgment, and I consider his services worthy of notice. ... I
consider Captain Davies has conducted the operations of the column entrusted
to his command with skill and discretion".
