War Memorial
Second Lieutenant James Gordon Davies is commemorated on the Leigh War Memorial, and his story is preserved here by the village's local history society.
Before receiving his commission, Davies had served as a Private in the Royal West Kent Regiment under the number 3577. He later became a Second Lieutenant with the 1st battalion of the King's Shropshire Light Infantry. His service was recognised with two campaign medals, one earned during his time in the ranks with the West Kents and the other awarded for his service as an officer with the Shropshire Light Infantry.
He lost his life in action on 1 June 1917, and his name appears on the Loos Memorial.
In civilian life, Davies lived at the Gunpowder Works at Tonbridge. The 1914 Electoral Register for the Leigh Polling District records him in Division 2 among the Parliamentary Voters and Parochial Electors, qualifying as an Occupation Voter on the basis of a Dwelling House at the Gunpowder Works. Women, at that time, could not vote.
After his death, his will was located at The Public Records Office and granted on 26 June 1917, giving his address as Powder Mills, Tonbridge. His widow, Elizabeth, was appointed administrator of his estate.