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4349 PRIVATE EDWARD DAVIES

Edward Davies was born in 1875 in Liverpool, which was in the county of Lancaster at that time.
His attestation document states that he was 18 years and 10 months of age when he enlisted on 29th November 1893 at Liverpool. He was a Bricksetter by occupation. I believe this entailed forming the clay mix into the frames for brickmaking prior to being fired in a brick kiln. Hot and dirty work I would have thought.

His vital statistics were as follows:

Height: 5' 7 1/8"
Weight: 132 lbs
Chest range: 33" to 35"
Complexion: Fresh
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Brown
Church of England
Distinctive marks:

As can be seen above he had a few tattoos! Also of note the phrase 'Special' is found in this section. I have come across this before. I do not know what this means, I hardly think it would confer any special benefits to Edward!

Edward completed 19 years service with the colours:
Home: 29/11/1893 to 26/11/1899
South Africa: 27/10/1899 to 30/11/1900
Home: 1/12/1900 to 15/12/1908 ( on 31/12/1900 he married Mary Jane Evans in Enniskillen, Ireland, with whom he had six children; Mary Evelyn, Charles Mortimer Stanley, Edward Leigh Wyatt, Frederick James, Annie Elizabeth and Edith Margaret. The last two both born in India).
India: 16/12/1908 to 11/10/1912
Home: 12/10/1912 to 28/11/1912

Edward received the certificate for 3rd Class of Education on 21/12/1894 and a Certificate for Butchery on 7/9/1909.

His next of kin was his father James Davies of 33 Paley Street, Liverpool. Also his brother Frederick James and sister Sarah Jane residing at the same address.

Queen's South Africa medal awarded to 4349 Private Edward Davies bearing clasps Cape Colony, Transvaal and Laing's Nek.


Impressed naming to the rim.

Impressed regimental naming to the rim.

But this was not the end of Edward's soldiering. At the outbreak of the First World War, Edward once again took the King's shilling at Seaforth on 14th September 1914 at the age of 39 years and 5 months being allocated service number 12044 as a returning member of the Kings Liverpool Regiment.
His previous military experience stood him in good stead as he was promoted relatively rapidly to Lance Corporal on the day he enlisted, Acting Corporal on 24/9/1914, Acting Sergeant on 7/10/1915 and finally Company Sergeant Major on 24/5/1915, a rank he enjoyed upto his discharge from the service on 31st December 1919 when he returned to the family home at number 2 Bland Terrace, Lothian Street, Everton, Liverpool having completed a total of 24 years and 3 months in uniform.
During his Great War service of 5 years and 91 days he remained in the UK in a training capacity. I find from his paperwork that he was at the Officer Training College at Manchester University. I wonder how he felt getting to know these young gentlemen and then sending them over to France and Flanders never to return home. A poignant thought indeed.

This old soldier passed away in his hometown of Liverpool in August 1946 at the age of 70, described as a General Labourer and Army Pensioner.

A humble QSA to a Private in the Liverpool Regiment during the Anglo Boer War has revealed a considerable length of military service following a little further research.

Picture courtesy of Aubrey's

QSA (3) Relief of Ladysmith, Laing's Nek, Belfast (3600 Pte R. Thomas, Liverpool Regt);
KSA (2) (3600 Pte R. Thomas, Liverpool Regt).

Picture courtesy of Noonan's

QSA (4) Cape Colony, Defence of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing's Nek (3944 Pte J. Crook. L'Pool Regt)

Described as: As the British Army advanced following the Relief of Ladysmith, two companies of the Liverpool Regiment were ambushed at Geluk Farm on 23 August 1900. Surrounded and suffering high losses Private William Heaton volunteered to run the gauntlet of Boer fire and fetch help. This he managed to do successfully rescuing his comrades and preventing what would otherwise have been a humiliating surrender. He was awarded the Victoria Cross, many of his companions including Private Crook were wounded during the fighting.

The roll says QSA issued 10 January 1906 and notes 'awaiting disposal at Cape Town for desertion' (WO100/172p61).

Picture courtesy of Noonan's

QS (4) Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Laing’s Nek, Belfast (3276 Pte. A. Goldsack, L’pool: Regt.);
KSA (2) (3276 Pte. A. Goldsack. Liverpool Regt.);
1914-15 Star (13113 Pte. A. Goldsack. A.S.C.);
British War and Victory Medals (13113 Pte. A. Goldsack. A.S.C.)

Benjamin Milnes (1869–1949)

Born in Masborough, Rotherham, Yorkshire, Benjamin Milnes enlisted in the Liverpool Regiment on 20 July 1887, beginning a military career marked by early promotions and overseas service. He quickly distinguished himself, earning several advancements:

• December 1888 – Promoted to Corporal
• May 1890 – Further promoted to Lance Sergeant
• July 1890 – Achieved the rank of Sergeant

During his years in service, he married Rosa Ada Seabright in 1891, balancing military duty with family life. While stationed in Bermuda, their son Benjamin Edwin Milnes was born in 1893, marking a significant personal milestone during his overseas deployment.

His service took him across Bermuda, Halifax, Barbados and Jamaica, gaining valuable experience. However, in 1897, a single lapse in judgment—an incident of drunkenness—led to his demotion to Private, an event that altered his military trajectory.

Despite this setback, Milnes remained committed to his service. He transferred to the Army Reserve in July 1899, but with the outbreak of the Second Boer War, he was recalled to active duty in May 1900 and was immediately promoted to Corporal.

Battle of Helvetia

On 29 December 1900, during the Battle of Helvetia, Milnes was wounded in action while serving in the 1st Battalion, King's (Liverpool Regiment). The Boers, led by General Ben Viljoen, launched a pre-dawn raid, overwhelming the British garrison and capturing 234 British soldiers, including Milnes.

The Boers seized the 4.7-inch naval gun "Lady Roberts", a critical British military asset which together with the defeat resulted in Major Cotton’s court-martial.

Unlike many captured soldiers, Milnes was released by the Boers so he could receive medical attention. His wound necessitated treatment, contributing to his medical discharge in August 1901, marking the end of his military career.

He returned to Rotherham, where he and Rosa raised their children. He remained there until his passing in December 1949, outliving Rosa, who had died in 1945.

The capturing of “Lady Roberts” was a highlight for the Boers; one of whom specifically mentioned it in his Vorm B:
www.angloboerwar.com/forum/surname-s/207...ephanus-lukas-burger

Benjamin Edwin Milnes (1893–1974)

Born during his father’s deployment in Bermuda, Benjamin Edwin Milnes followed in his father’s footsteps, enlisting in the British Army on 29 May 1911. He joined the Royal Field Artillery and served in World War I.

During his time in service, he was wounded twice in battle:
• 8 September 1914 – Sustained injuries during the very early phase of the war.
• 16 May 1915 – Shot in the left leg, leading to the amputation of his leg at the left hip.

As a result of his injuries, Milnes was discharged on 12 July 1918 deeming him no longer physically fit for war service.
In recognition of his services, he was awarded:

• 1914 Star with clasp
• British War Medal
• Victory Medal
• Silver War Badge (Badge Number: 420035)

After the war, he lived with the permanent effects of his wounds for decades. He passed away on 12 September 1974.