WW1 Royal Navy Officers Lt WJA Davies Ceremonial Boxed Bicorne Hat, Gold Braided Epaulettes & Sword Belt
This boxed set was issued to the famous Welsh, Ex-England & Royal Navy Rugby Captain “William John Abbott Davies OBE”.
(1890-1967)
He was born in Pembroke & initially played rugby for the Pembroke Dock Harlequins. He made his England international debut in 1913 against the Spring Boks but with the onset of the Great War, Davies joined the Royal Navy. During WW1 he served as a naval officer on HMS Iron Duke at the Battle of Jutland and promoted to Commander onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth, for which he was awarded an OBE in 1919.
After the war he ran out for United services Portsmouth before resuming his international career and was part of the England team that won the Grand Slams in 1921 & 23. With 22 caps, 11 of them as captain, he was the most capped fly half which remained a record until Rob Andrew surpassed it in the 1990’s.
Continuing with his service as a Royal Naval Constructor First Class at Portsmouth, he was promoted Chief Constructor (Rear Admiral) in 1939, and in 1942 was advanced Assistant Director of Warship Production, retaining this appointment throughout the Second World War. He retired from the Admiralty in 1950
Famously, he never lost a match for England when he played alongside his RN teammate, Cecil Kershaw in 14 matches. He sadly passed away at his home in Richmond in 1967, leaving behind an amazing legacy
Not bad for a Welshman in an England shirt…..
The RN officers ceremonial set is in fine fettle and comes complete in the original tin box by Gieves of London (Naval Outfitters) with Davies name to the lid.
Superb piece of Royal Navy & English Rugby memorabilia!
(All cards accepted except Amex)
Local delivery, U.K & international shipping available with collections welcome too
