John Evan Davies MC (SN 4478/Lt.) born at Talbot, was a 23 year old baker when he enlisted in Ballarat on July 20th 1915. On January 27th 1916 he embarked aboard the Themistocles and sailed first to Egypt and then to France in June to serve with the 58th Infantry Battalion. He suffered a shrapnel wound to his leg in March 1917, was commissioned as a lieutenant in December 1917 then wounded again in July 1918 in an action that earned for him the Military Cross 'For conspicuous gallantry and endurance while commanding a company during an attack. Although wounded by shell fire at zero hour, he led his men forward and mopped up several machine gun posts, killing the garrisons. He consolidated on the objective, and, although weak from the loss of blood, remained at duty for forty-six hours until relieved.' He returned home on the Orontes, disembarked at Melbourne on June 28th 1919 and his appointment was terminated on August 22nd.