Robert Davies (GC)

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Lieutenant Robert Davies (born Cornwall, 1900) of the Royal Engineers was awarded the George Cross for the heroism he displayed in defusing a bomb which threatened to destroy St. Paul's cathedral on the September 12, 1940.^[1] The bomb was lodged 30 feet deep in Deans Yard, took several days to dig out and was finally transported to, and detonated on, Hackney Marshes.

The citation from a supplement to the London Gazette of September 27, 1940 (dated September 30, 1940) reads:^[2]

CENTRAL CHANCERY OF THE ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD.

St. James's Palace, S.W.1, 30th September, 1940.]]

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the GEORGE CROSS to the undermentioned:—

[...]

Temporary Lieutenant Robert Davies, Royal Engineers.

Lieutenant Davies was the officer in charge of the party detailed to recover the bomb which fell in the vicinity of St. Paul's Cathedral.

So conscious was this officer of the imminent danger to the Cathedral that regardless of personal risk he spared neither himself nor his men in their efforts to locate the bomb. After unremitting effort, during which all ranks knew that an explosion might occur at any moment, the bomb was successfully extricated.

In order to shield his men from further danger, Lieutenant Davies himself drove the vehicle in which the bomb was removed and personally carried out its disposal.

Sapper George Cameron Wylie was also awarded the GC for his part in the same action.^[2]

Davies had emigrated to Canada and joined the Canadian Army in 1918. In 1940 he returned to England and joined the Royal Engineers. The Times of the 1 October 1970 reported that his medal had been sold for a then record £2,100. It is now on display at the Imperial War Museum.