Henry Davis

A Chief Stoker with H.M.S. Shrapnel, Henry died on 18th of March 1944 at the age of 52. 

Henry was born at Lowestoft on 14 April 1892, a son of George and Jane Davis. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft, on 10 June 1892, and his family lived at 3 Selby Street, Lowestoft. Henry attended Saint John’s Infants School before, on 5 February 1900, becoming a pupil at Saint John’s School. In 1900 his family lived at 3 Selby Street. By 1911 they were living at 11 Clemence Street, Lowestoft. 

Henry was working as a fisherman when he joined the Royal Navy as a Stoker 2nd Class on 19 July 1909. For most of the First World War he served on H.M.S. Electra. Henry was awarded the Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. He became a Chief Stoker in 1927 and was discharged to a pension on 18 July 1933. 

On 16 May 1918 Henry married Winifred Daisy Green at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft. They gave their address as 61 Clemence Street, Lowestoft. In 1939 Winifred lived at 1 Hellena House, Clarkson Road, Oulton Broad (note she sometimes used Daisy as her first name).

Henry was recalled to service on 26 August 1939. In 1940 he served with H.M.S. Barwell and other Boom Defence Vessels, and in 1941 joined H.M.S. Barsound. Later he served at H.M.S. Shrapnel and training establishment near London.

Henry died from coronary thrombosis due to atheroma. 

Henry's brother George served in the Somerset Light Infantry and was killed in action in 1917.