Reginald Harold Pryce Davies, MBE

[Danny152]

Hiya All,

I am trying to find out the story of Reginald Harold Pryce Davies, he was a RAF engineering officer and was awarded a MBE in 1940 for rescuing a RAF pilot from a burning aircraft. Based at RAF Warmwell and was believed to be the first person to be awarded a MBE in the Second World War.

Added to other sites - forums

Thanks for your time and help.

Danny

[RSwank]

I found a series of “clues” which may all relate -- or maybe not ;-)
Clue 1

Mention of a “Reg” Davies (of Schneider Trophy Team) in charge of engineers (152 squadron) at RAF Warmwell. (November 1940).
https://books.google.com/books?id=Na...ies%22&f=false

Clue 2
Auction listing of items from Flight Lt “Reg” Davies, MBE (1905-1988). Items relate to 1927 Schneider Trophy Team.
Scroll down to see the text and the photos can be zoomed in.
https://www.dominicwinter.co.uk/Auct...ot=155913&sd=1

Clue 3
MBE given in January 1942 to Flying Officer Reginald Harold Davies (80614).
(See 1st column about halfway down the page.) No citation, unfortunately.
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...nt/14/data.pdf

Tracing a little more
More Clues:
On June 7, 1940 Davies become a Pilot officer on probation.
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/.../4022/data.pdf

Transferred to Technical Branch in June 1941 (still listed as Pilot Officer on probation).
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/.../3692/data.pdf

In January, 1944 he gives up his commission. He is listed as a MBE and he retains his rank as Flying Officer.
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...t/679/data.pdf

Brief notice of death of Davies, Reginald Harold, aka Reginald Harold Pryce-Davies on 15 December, 1988.
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...e/710/data.pdf

A mention in Ancestry. Some details not correct.
https://www.ancestry.com/mediaui-vie...e-d487229df239
“My uncle Reg was a member of the high speed flight which took part in the Schneider Trophy air races in 1929 and 1931. During the 2nd world war he was IC of a bomber station, in the SW I think. After the war he opened a garage in Croydon called Mayday Motors and later in life was awarded a OBE/MBE/CBE”

A family tree in Ancestry:
https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree...09309363/facts
Born 30 March , 1905. Mentions being a member of High Speed Flight Unit (Schneider Cup Team). Gives his serial number as 80614. Death December 1988. (No mention of MBE.)