Sgt G R Davenport
A Great War M.M. group of five awarded to Serjeant G. R. Davenport, 6th Battalion Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire
Regiment – awarded the M.M. for the attack on Bellenglise and Lehaucourt, 29 September 1918
MILITARY MEDAL, G.V.R. (240236 Sjt., 6/Notts. & Derby. R.); 1914-15 STAR (1731 Pte., Notts. & Derby. R.); BRITISHWAR AND
VICTORY MEDALS (1731 Sjt., Notts. & Derby. R.); TERRITORIAL EFFICIENCY MEDAL, G.V.R. (240236 Sjt., M.M., 6-Notts. & Derby.
R.) some contact marks and edge bruising, fine and better (5) £500-600
M.M. London Gazette 14 May 1919.
Citation: ‘For very great gallantry in the attack on Bellenglise and Lehaucourt on 29th September 1918. This N.C.O. did excellent work as a platoon commander, being exceptionally cool under fire. His handling of his platoon throughout the attack, showed great resource and skill in use of ground and cover. The platoon
never faltered, and went through with great keenness and determination.’ (ref. British Gallantry Awards, The Sherwood Foresters, compiled by C. Housley).
George R. Davenport was born in Peak Forest, Derbyshire, J/F/M Qtr 1896, in the 1911 Census he lived with his Uncle Robert Clayton and worked on his farm. He enlisted at Buxton. A Horse Driver by occupation, his employer is given as Buxton Lime Firms. He attested for the 6th Battalion
Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment at Clumber Park on 18th September 1912, aged 17 years, 3 months. With the 6th Battalion he entered the France/Flanders Theatre of war on 28 February 1915. He was advanced to Lance-Corporal in
September 1916; Corporal in August 1917 and Serjeant in September 1918. He was disembodied on 27 January 1919.
After the war he was Sub-Postmaster and Newsagent at Peak Dale, Derbyshire for
20 years and also a Storekeeper at Ferodo Ltd. in Chapel-en-le Frith.
During the Second World War he served as a Lieutenant in the Home Guard. (See above photograph)
He left Peak Dale in 1949 and became the licensee of the Horse Shoe Inn, Fairfield Road, Buxton, later moving down the road to become the licensee of the Prince of Wales. Davenport latterly lived at 1 Monsall Avenue, Fairfield, Buxton.
With copied research, including a copied photograph of the recipient in his home guard uniform.
George died in 1968, possibly in hospital as his death is registered at Stockport.
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