ALEXANDER HERBERT DAVIS

A MILITARY FUNERAL

YOUNG NEWBURIAN'S DEATH

          Sincere sympathy has been widely expressed to Mr. Henry Davis in the death of his second son, Alex, He was a promising young fellow, who had already made a position in the banking profession which he had adopted. He was a clerk in the Metropolitan Bank at Birmingham and when the Company amalgamated with the London, City, and Midland he was transferred with the staff. During the last year he had a serious illness, which involved an operation in Birmingham Hospital. This proved successful, and he was enabled to return to his duties. When the call came for men to serve their country in the hour of need, he was one of the first to patriotically respond and joined the London Artist's Corps with whom he went into training. Military duty appeared to benefit him, but there was an old trouble, and he was sent to the London General Hospital, R.A.M.C....at Denmark Hill. Here he received expert surgical attention and skilful nursing. Tumour on the brain developed, and an operation was performed. But he died on Thursday, and a useful life was cut short at the age of 25.

          Although not enabled to carry out his intention to serve his country in actual warfare, he had worn the King's uniform, and was given a soldier's funeral, with all its impressive solemnity. The body was brought from London  on Tuesday, accompanied by a firing party of the London Artists' Corps, with four bugler's under the command of a sergeant. The first part of the Burial Service  was conducted at St Nicholas' where the father has been for many years churchwarden. The officiating clergymen were the Rector ( Rev. Lionel R. Majendie) and Rev. A.R. Bliss. A number of sympathising friends formed the congregation and the service was of simple character. The firing party remained outside. The only military reminder was the Union Jack which enshrouded the coffin as a pall. The soldiers stood to attention while the body was removed from the church to the funeral car, and then formed up in front leading the way, at slow march, with reversed arms. The procession through the streets was watched by many spectators, who followed on to the Cemetery, where the last honours were paid by the soldiers to their deceased comrade. During the committal sentence, they stood with bowed heads resting on their rifles. At the word of command they fired three volleys over the grave, and then the stirring notes  of the Last Post rang out from the four bugles. The martial sounds thrilled all present. It was a fitting tribute to one who had shown himself willing to serve his King and country, but had been cut off ere the time had arrived for actual realisation.

          The family mourners were Mr. H. J. Davis (father), Mr. Harold Davis (brother), Mr. Ernest Davis (cousin), Mr. Percy Trend ell, Mrs Frank Davis, Miss Eva Davis, Mrs. G.H. Nike, Mrs Nicolas, Miss Fryer.

The coffin plate was inscribed

ALEXANDER HERBERT DAVIS

Died January 21st 1915

Aged 25

          Among the many floral offerings were the following:

In loving memory from Dad, Ella and Harold; Aunt Mary, Ernest, Percy, and Eva; Aunt Bessie and Uncle Herbert; Uncle Tom, Auntie Annie, and family; Aunt Ella and family; all at Muswell Hill; the assistants at 38 and 37, Northbrook Street ; Norah; all at Southfield (Bickers); R.V. Williams (Artist's Rifles), H.P. Sheldon and L.W. Partridge of Hampstead N.W.; the Staff London, City and Midland Bank; “As a token of respect and deepest sympathy from his comrades in the Artist's Rifles”; the Staff of the Metropolitan bank, E.C., his fellow Club members, Hazelwood Lawn Tennis Club

 Mr. R and Misses Aden and Percy; Miss Muriel Nike; Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Camp and family (Rose croft); Mr. and Mrs. R.H.H. Aden; J.S. Riddle and Mrs. Liddle; Percy W. Tuck; Mr. And Miss Count; Members of the O.N.A.; Mr. and Mrs. F.C. Hopson; from Lady Trendell and Percy G. Trendell, Gunterstone-road, West Kensington; Miss and Miss M. H. Bruxner; Mr. and Mrs. James Straddling and family.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Hopson and Sons, Northbrook-street.

Newbury Weekly News 28 January 1915

BMD Record

Born

Jun Q 1889  Newbury 2c 248

Sources:Newbury Weekly News 28 January 1915 and BMD