TOPIC:

3803 COMPANY SERGEANT MAJOR WILLIAM WALLBYOFF DAVIES: ARMY SERVICE CORPS.


William Wallbyoff Davies was born in Clydach, Brecknockshire, Wales in around 1859.
The census of 1891 claims that the county of Brecknockshire held the majority of people with the surname Wallbyoff in the UK.
An uncommonly encountered surname, it finds it's origins in Elbeof-sur-Seine in the Normandy region of France.

William attested, initially, to the 61st Regiment of Foot and discharged by purchase before attesting to the 39th Brigade at Bristol on 28th June 1880.
William was 21/22 years old and 5' 7 3/4" in height, with a chest measurement of 34". His complexion was fair, eyes blue and fair-haired (possibly the Welsh genes considering the Davies part of his surname!). Wesleyan by religious denomination.
He was a Butcher by occupation.

His attestation also reveals service with the 37th Brigade, so William was by now an efficient member of the armed forces.
He is also credited with service in South Africa from 12th November 1884 until 8th December 1885.

His service was extended on 11th October 1888 in the rank of Sergeant and he re-engaged for the Army Service Corps at Aldershot on 8th July 1889 and promoted Colour Sergeant Major on 1st March 1899.

After home service from 9th December 1888 to 16th March 1900, he was sent to South Africa on 17th March 1900 to participate in the Anglo Boer War.
His involvement was relatively short as he returned to the UK on 18th October 1900 and was discharged on 20th November 1901 after having completed 23 years and 247 days service with the colours.

During his lengthy service he married Caroline Lankitrick.
Their union was blessed with 7 children;
Olive, Maud, Mary, Thomas, Caroline, Louisa, William.
It is interesting to note that all of the children's surnames were listed as Wallbyoff and the Davies element of William's surname recorded at attestation had been omitted.




Queen's South Africa medal awarded to 3803 Colour Sergeant Major William Wallbyoff Davies.


Officially impressed number, rank and naming the rim of the medal.


Officially impressed regimental naming.