Updated record with images here
Charles Davis
Davis Charles, Private 3 Dorsets, Born in Bere Regis 1892, was one of the 1st Dorsets reinforcements who arrived in France on September 12th 1914 and received the Mons Star.
I have attached a few photographs and information of Charles Davis (Phillips) for the village historical records, (Not for publication without prior permission) that reaffirms Charles Davis (Phillips) service time.
I understand Charles was raised and resided in Butt Lane .
Charles was christened Charles Davis Phillips (see birth certificate) but for what ever reason dropped "Phillips" on enlisting, service number (3-5642).
I think he might have been slightly under age at the time he volunteered in 1909.. enlisting for 7 years being discharged time served in January 1916.
There was a family rumour that his father Charles Phillips enlisted in the Militia so they used his middle name to avoid confusion !
Charles later enlisted / drafted for a second time back into the Dorset's on 15-08-1916 possibly due to heavy losses on the Somme and received a different service number. (23138)
I have had a number of discussions with Mr. Stephen Potter. who is a researcher of the Devon & Dorset regiments.
Charles was severely wounded in action, ( Mesopotamia) and was discharged unfit for further service, 16-9-1919.
His birth name was, Charles Davis Phillips.
I think this would assist any Phillips / Langdown family or genealogist in their searches and not end up down a blind alley.
It has taken me many years to investigate the Phillips side of my family because of this anomaly .
Charles grandmother was Jane Marie Phillips b.1845 in Bere Regis gave birth to Charles Phillips in 1865 in Bere Regis and married a Charles Davis over 4 years later in 1869
(Information update from Steve C Phillips, Grandson, Texas, USA .16th January 2020.)
NOTE:- (Not for publication without prior permission).
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