Charles Davey was born in Nether Stowey, Somerset, in the autumn of 1893. The second of six children, his parents were publican-turned-labourer Charles Davey and his wife, Mercy. The 1911 census found the family living in a four-roomed house, with Charles Sr and Jr and the younger Davey son, Walter, all employed in farm work.

When war came to Europe, Charles was called upon to play his part for King and Country. Sadly his service records have been lost to time, but it is clear that, by September 1915, he had enlisted in the West Somerset Yeomanry. Attached to the 3rd/1st Battalion, Private Davey would have been employed on home service. He was billeted at the Aliwal Barracks at Tidworth, Wiltshire.

The only other record relating to Private Davey is his entry in the Army Register of Soldiers’ Effects. This confirms that he passed away in Taunton, on 12th March 1916. The cause of his death is not recorded, but he just was 22 years of age.

The body of Charles Davey was taken back to Somerset for burial. He was laid to rest in the peaceful graveyard of St Mary’s Church in Nether Stowey.

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