David Leslie Davies MC & Bar (Major) born in Ballarat, was a 20 year old student at the Royal Military College, Duntroon, when he graduated as a lieutenant on April 18th 1916. He then embarked from Sydney aboard the Argyllshire on May 11th. He reached France in December to serve with the 7th Field Artillery Brigade. In August 1917 he was promoted to Captain. He was awarded the Military Cross ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as forward observing officer. He worked continually in exposed positions under heavy shell fire, by his initiative and skill transmitting valuable information, later he carried out a successful reconnaissance leading and organizing a party to secure portions of enemy guns.' He was then awarded a Bar to his Military Cross 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty east of Clery on 20th August 1918, in close support of the infantry advance. He directed concentration of fire of the guns as they arrived and maintained the rate of fire until communications were opened with brigade headquarters. His energy and ability throughout ten days fighting largely contributed to the success of the operation.' In October 1918 he was promoted to Major just before the fighting stopped. He returned to Australia aboard the Aeneas, disembarked on July 12th 1919 and his commission was terminated on August 26th.

Lucas’s Staffs Appreciation of Brave Men, the original Avenue register, records his name as Dave L. Davies.